Is There a Non-Invasive Way to Treat Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Weakness?

Is There a Non-Invasive Way to Treat Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Weakness?

Incontinence and pelvic floor weakness are more common than many people realise, but they're also highly treatable with the right approach, often without surgery or internal procedures. Whether symptoms are mild or affecting your daily life, early treatment can make a significant difference. At Relive Physiotherapy, we combine pelvic health physiotherapy with Stimpod therapy, a non-invasive treatment using pulsed radiofrequency stimulation, to improve nerve-muscle communication, restore bladder control, and support recovery for postnatal, post-surgical, and stress/urge incontinence.

What Is Pelvic Floor Weakness?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. When these muscles weaken or lose coordination, it can lead to:

• Urinary incontinence
• Urgency or frequency
• Reduced bladder control
• Postnatal weakness
• Discomfort during movement or exercise

Common causes include:

• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Ageing
• Surgery
• Chronic strain or poor muscle activation
• Hormonal changes

Many people assume this is something they "just have to live with" but that's not the case.

How Does Physiotherapy Help Incontinence?

Pelvic health physiotherapy focuses on restoring:

• Strength
• Coordination
• Muscle control
• Proper activation patterns
• Treatment often includes:
• Targeted pelvic floor exercises
• Breathing and core control work
• Education around movement and lifestyle

However, in some cases, muscles are not activating properly due to nerve-related issues, and this is where Stimpod therapy can help.

What Is Stimpod Therapy?

Stimpod is a non-invasive treatment that uses pulsed radiofrequency stimulation to improve nerve function and communication between the brain and muscles. For pelvic floor dysfunction, this means:

• Better muscle activation
• Improved coordination
• Reduced symptoms

How Does Stimpod Support Pelvic Floor Recovery?

1. Improves Muscle Activation

If the pelvic floor muscles are not firing correctly, strengthening exercises alone may not be effective. Stimpod helps:

• Re-establish nerve signalling
• Improve muscle engagement
• Make exercises more effective

2. Enhances Bladder Control

Better communication between nerves and muscles can lead to:

• Improved control over bladder function
• Reduced urgency and leakage
• Greater confidence in daily activities

3. Supports Postnatal Recovery

After pregnancy, pelvic floor muscles are often weakened or inhibited. Stimpod can:

• Assist early-stage activation
• Complement postnatal rehab
• Speed up recovery when combined with physiotherapy

4. Provides a Comfortable, Non-Invasive Option

Many people feel hesitant about internal treatments. Stimpod offers:

• A completely external treatment approach
• No discomfort or downtime
• A safe and accessible option for many clients

5. Helps When Progress Has Stalled

If you've tried pelvic floor exercises but haven't seen results, it may be due to poor neuromuscular control. Stimpod can help "reset" this connection and allow progress to continue.

Who Can Benefit from This Treatment?

This approach may be suitable for:

• Women experiencing postnatal incontinence
• Men following prostate surgery
• Individuals with stress or urge incontinence
• Anyone struggling to activate their pelvic floor muscles
• People not improving with exercises alone

Why Is Early Treatment Important?

Incontinence and pelvic floor issues often worsen over time if left untreated. Early physiotherapy can:

• Prevent symptoms from progressing
• Improve recovery outcomes
• Restore confidence sooner

The sooner you address the issue, the easier it is to treat.

Start Your Recovery Today

You don't have to live with incontinence or pelvic floor weakness.

At Relive Physiotherapy, we combine Stimpod therapy with tailored rehabilitation to help you regain control, confidence, and quality of life.

Get in touch today to book your assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stimpod therapy invasive?

No. Stimpod is a completely external, non-invasive treatment, making it a comfortable alternative for people who feel hesitant about internal pelvic floor procedures.

Can men benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy?

Yes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy, including Stimpod therapy, can support men recovering from prostate surgery or experiencing incontinence.

What if I've already tried pelvic floor exercises without success?

This is often due to poor neuromuscular control rather than the exercises themselves. Stimpod can help re-establish nerve-muscle signalling so that strengthening exercises become more effective.

How soon after childbirth can I start treatment?

Every recovery is different, so this is best discussed at an initial assessment, where your physiotherapist can advise on timing based on your individual circumstances.

Do I need a referral to see a pelvic health physiotherapist?

No referral is needed. You can get in touch with Relive Physiotherapy directly to book an assessment.

About the Author:

Mohana Nedunchezian

Lead Physiotherapist, Independent Non-Medical Prescriber and Injection Therapist

Mohana Nedunchezian is a Specialist Physiotherapist at Relive Physiotherapy with over 15 years' experience in Musculoskeletal Medicine. She is a qualified Injection Therapist, an APPI-certified Pilates Physiotherapy Instructor, and trained in Kinesiology taping, Acupuncture, and Bobath techniques.

Mohana holds a Master's degree in Physiotherapy and spent over 10 years as a Specialist Physiotherapist in the NHS before joining Relive Physiotherapy. She has a particular interest in 1:1 Pilates and joint mobilisation techniques, and brings a warm, engaging approach to every session.

Mohana is a member of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine (ACPSEM).

Outside the clinic, Mohana is a full-time mother to two young children and enjoys music and cooking in her free time.