Q I leak pee occasionally. Can a physiotherapist help?

A Leaking urine is common. Stress incontinence is leakage during activities such as lifting, jumping, sneezing, coughing and laughing. Urge incontinence is a sudden urge to pee with loss of control. Physiotherapy can be very effective in training and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder and urethra for women with stress, urge or mixed types of incontinence. After a continence assessment by a urogynaecology physio, which may include an internal pelvic floor assessment, you should be offered treatments including bladder training regimes, pelvic-floor exercises, trigger-point therapy, core-stability exercises, education and advice. Men with urinary incontinence may also benefit from pelvic-floor exercises. Physiotherapists will give advice on lifestyle factors that will help, including weight loss, reduction of caffeine and fluid intake, cessation of smoking and an increase in physical exercise. Ask your GP to refer you.