(New York). In the United States alone, 25 million adult Americans suffer from some form of urinary incontinence, and the vast majority of them (75-80%) are women, according to the National Association for Incontinence.
“If you have urinary incontinence that is not due to a medical issue such as neurological disease, recurrent infections, or bladder disease, bladder leakage should not happen,” says Shelia Craig Whiteman, Doctor of Physical Therapy, health coach, and bestselling author of Stop Worrying About Bladder Leaks: The Guide to Overcoming Urinary Incontinence. “When there is no underlying problem or diagnosis that affects the urinary system, the success rate is very high for reducing and stopping bladder leaks.”
Dr. Whiteman specializes in pelvic health, lymphedema, and oncology. She has successfully worked with hundreds of women to reduce and eliminate bladder leaks. According to Dr. Whiteman, even though bladder leaks are common, many people do not understand why they might happen or where they can go for help. “In my experience, problems with leakage or frequency can be bothersome for years before many discover that help is available or where they can find it,” Dr. Whiteman says.
In fact, the National Associate for Incontinence found that women on average experience symptoms for 6.5 years before seeking help. Dr. Whiteman says that problems go beyond physical symptoms and affect quality of life. “The emotional toll of bladder leakage and urinary incontinence can be devastating,” she says. “Women often feel isolated, depressed, alone and hopeless. Living with the burden of female incontinence is not only frustrating – it’s exhausting and debilitating. Especially when you believe that ‘it’s just the way it is.’”
Dr. Whiteman says the most common reason for waiting is the misperception (especially among women over age fifty) who think that bladder leaks are normal as one ages. “Although the incidences of urinary incontinence increases with age, they can be reduced or eliminated with the right program,” Dr. Whiteman says. “Bladder leaks do not have to be accepted as a normal part of aging.”
“I first heard Dr. Shelia Craig Whiteman speak at a summit where we were both presenting. Dr. Shelia’s presentation, ‘Why is This a Good Time to Think About Pelvic Health?’ hit me like a two-by four,” says bestselling author Robin Winn. MFT. “Dr. Shelia presented the material in a way that was thorough and easily comprehensible. The exercises, which were tailor-made to my situation and what I was able to do, gently built over time, at once stretching me and honoring my limits.”
“With the ease of telehealth and online programs, there are many means to get the help you need. If you are bothered by bladder leaks it is time to get help,” Dr. Whiteman encourages. “Unless there is an underlying cause, most people respond well to intervention by the right health professional. Don’t wait another day. Seek help, and stop your bladder leaks now!”
Dr. Shelia Craig Whiteman PT, DPT, CLT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a certified Health Coach through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). She received a B.S. degree from Ithaca College, and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Boston University. Dr. Whiteman is a licensed Physical Therapist and lives in Maryland. As an advocate for health and wellbeing, she has led many presentations, fitness programs, and volunteer activities in her community. She is author of two bestselling books: Stop Worrying About Bladder Leaks: The Guide to Overcoming Urinary Incontinence and To Pee or Not To Pee? The Guide to Reducing and Eliminating Urinary Incontinence.
For a free copy of Dr. Whiteman’s book, and more information about her coaching programs and other resources for women, visit ThePelvicCoach.com.