Understanding Light Bladder Leaks (LBL)
Light bladder leaks — also known as stress urinary incontinence or urge incontinence — are far more common than most people realize. Up to 38% of Australian women experience occasional leakage when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising. Due to the high prevalence of LBL, it is often dismissed as a part of life after having children - that it's normal to avoid the various activities or situations which might cause you to leak.. Whilst LBL is extremely common, it is not normal, and bladder leaks are not something you have to live with.
Women’s health physiotherapists are specially trained to help with pelvic floor issues — including bladder control — through evidence-based advice and rehabilitation programs.
When should you seek help?
If you experience any of the following, it’s a good time to reach out to a women’s physiotherapist:
1. You leak urine when you laugh, sneeze, cough, or exercise
These leaks suggest that your pelvic floor - including the muscles, ligaments or connective tissue may not be providing enough support for your bladder and urethra. A physiotherapist can help identify whether your muscles are weak, overactive, or not coordinating properly — and guide you through the right exercises to improve control.
2. You feel a frequent or urgent need to urinate
If you’re constantly searching for a toilet or feel you can’t “hold on,” this could point to bladder urgency, or an overactive bladder. This may or may not be accompanied by leaks. If you are needing to wake more than 1-2 times a night to empty your bladder, then this is also something worth discussing with a women’s health trained physiotherapist. They can teach bladder retraining techniques and relaxation strategies to reduce urgency.
3. You’ve recently had a baby
Pregnancy and childbirth place tremendous strain on the pelvic floor. Even if you had a smooth delivery, it’s wise to have a postnatal pelvic floor assessment such as that offered by Melbourne based Pelvic Health Physiotherapists at Embrace Physio and Pilates. A physiotherapist can help you recover strength safely and prevent leaks from developing later, as well as assess risk for other common postpartum problems like pelvic pain or pelvic organ prolapse - and help you get on the front foot.
4. You’re peri- or postmenopausal
Hormonal changes during menopause can affect bladder and pelvic floor tissue, leading to new or worsening leaks. Physiotherapy can be very effective in restoring control and comfort, and may include posture, breathing, pelvic floor exercises and pelvic floor support wear such as Everform’s LBL Recovery Briefs, designed to support the connective tissues and pelvic floor muscles and stop leaks in their track.
5. You’ve tried “just doing Kegels,” but it’s not helping
Many women unknowingly perform pelvic floor exercises incorrectly — either not engaging the right muscles or overdoing them (or in some cases, strengthening the pelvic floor may make your symptoms worse. If this is the case - a women’s health physiotherapist can assess your technique and tailor a program specifically for your body and lifestyle.
What to expect from a Women’s Physiotherapist
A typical session may include:
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A confidential discussion about your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals
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An assessment of pelvic floor, core and musculoskeletal function (may involve an internal +/ an external assessment, depending on your comfort level)
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A personalized plan including targeted exercises, posture and breathing guidance, bladder training strategies and simple, actionable lifestyle advice to help alleviate your symptoms
Embrace Physio + Pilates is a collaborative women’s health clinic located in Armadale, Victoria and specialises in the management of concerns such as stress and urinary leakage. They believe in a holistic and proactive treatment approach that combines education, assessment and exercise with evidence based product recommendations, such as Everform Therapywear LBL Recovery Briefs or pelvic floor biofeedback devices. The purpose built space, also includes access to integrated gynaecology, obstetrics and clinical pilates services under the one roof. You can read more about their practitioners and book an initial appointment here.
Treatment is gentle, respectful, and empowering — aimed at helping you regain confidence, control, and quality of life.
Leaks are common, but not normal, and there is lots you can do to help.
Light bladder leaks may be common, but they are not normal — and you don’t have to accept them as part of your daily life. A women’s physiotherapist can help you understand your body, optimize your pelvic floor function, and reduce or eliminate leakage altogether.
If leaks are affecting your confidence, exercise, intimacy or social life — even in small ways — that’s your cue to seek help. The sooner you do, the sooner you can get back to feeling like yourself again.
Discover how Everform Therapywear supports pelvic health, from incontinence and prolapse, to pregnancy and postpartum here.