How to Empty Your Bladder and Overcome Incomplete Bladder Emptying | Complete PHYSIOTHERAPY GUIDE

Learn how to completely empty your bladder and overcome incomplete bladder emptying using the correct Physiotherapy position and technique. Michelle from https://www.pelvicexercises.com.au shows how to start bladder emptying, improve flow and empty completely. This information is suited to viewers who have: Inability to completely empty (incomplete emptying or urinary retention) Difficulty starting emptying (hesitancy) Slow bladder stream (slow flow) Normal Bladder Emptying When you empty your bladder you should be able to easily start the flow and it should be strong and continuous without needing to strain. You should have a feeling of completely emptied your bladder when finished. Straining to empty your bladder can damage your pelvic floor which can worsen bladder problems. Retained urine can increase the risk of bladder infection. If you find that you can’t empty your bladder, go to the hospital emergency department. Urinary retention can cause bladder overstretching and serious long-term bladder problems. 1. Bladder Emptying Position *If you have normal sensation then empty your bladder when you feel an appropriate urge to empty *Start sitting on the toilet seat and never hover or stand leaning over the toilet seat *Your feet should be supported on the ground or on a footstool *Your legs and hips should be apart *Support your trunk by leaning forward and resting your hands or elbows/forearms on your thighs *Keep the inwards curve in your lower back while emptying your bladder 2. Bladder Emptying Technique *If you’re having trouble initiating bladder emptying then you may try turning on a tap. Sometimes the sound of tricking water can help start voiding. *When your bladder has started emptying keep leaning forwards and relax your bladder opening. Allow your lower tummy to relax and bulge forwards at the same time until your bladder is empty. *Always avoid straining. If you sense that your bladder isn’t completely empty, then you can try any of the following double void techniques: 1. Rock side to side before trying again 2. Stand up and rotate your hips as if hula hoop 3. Walk around for 15-30 seconds before sitting back down and repeat voiding 4. Use both hands above your pubic bone to gently press inwards with your fingers over your bladder Tips to Improve Bladder Emptying *Avoid overfilling your bladder because when it’s too full. This means knowing that you need to empty 3-4 hourly (or around 250-400 mls of urine) depending on your fluid intake *Stay well hydrated by drinking steadily during the day rather than all at once. Doing this helps you avoid sudden bladder filling *Take your time to empty your bladder completely rather than rushing *Avoid emptying just in case *If you have trouble emptying your bladder because of reduced sensation you may need to go on a timed emptying program. This involves attempting to empty your bladder regardless of whether or not you feel the urge. *Reduce your intake of diuretics such as caffeine and alcohol because they draw extra fluid into the bladder. References Jean-Jacques Wyndaele (2008) Conservative Treatment of Patients with Neurogenic Bladder european urology sup plements 7 (2008) 557–565 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eursup.2008... Wennergren HM, Oberg BE, Sandstedt P. The importance of leg support for relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. A surface electromyograph study in healthy girls. Scand J Urol Nephrol. 1991;25(3):205-13. doi: 10.3109/00365599109107948. PMID: 1947848. Sapsford R. The pelvic floor. A clinical model for function and rehabilitation. Physiotherapy. 2001;87(12):620–630. doi: 10.1016/S0031-9406(05)61107-8. Clothier JC, Wright AJ. Dysfunctional voiding: the importance of non-invasive urodynamics in diagnosis and treatment. Pediatr Nephrol. 2018;33(3):381-394. doi:10.1007/s00467-017-3679-3 #incompletebladderemptying #howtoemptyyourbladder #doublevoid #urinaryretention Music That Kid Goran licensed user Disclaimer The information provided in this video is intended as general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice regarding your medical condition. To the extent permitted by law, neither Healthy Fit Solutions Pty Ltd, as trustee for the P & M Kenway Family Trust (“we”), nor any of our officers, employees, agents or related bodies corporate will be liable in any way (including for negligence) for any loss, damage, costs or expenses suffered by you or claims made against you through your use of, or in connection with, this video or information supplied or offered to be supplied on this video. Although we use our best efforts to provide accurate information and other materials on this video, the video is provided “as-is”. To the extent permitted by law, all warranties, conditions and representations provided about or by this video are excluded.