The integrated continence system: a manual therapy approach to the treatment of stress urinary incontinence

Man Ther. 2008 Oct;13(5):375-86. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2008.01.003. Epub 2008 Mar 12.

Abstract

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) constitutes a large-scale public health concern. The integrated continence system (ICS) developed by the authors is an evidence-based model that demonstrates how urinary incontinence is maintained through the interaction of three structural systems (intrinsic urethral closure, urethral support and lumbopelvic stability) and three modifiable factors (motor control, musculoskeletal and behavioural). The purpose of the ICS is first, to demonstrate the important role that manual physiotherapists can play in the treatment of SUI and second, to guide clinical practice decisions in order to improve clinical outcomes among women with SUI.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Exercise Therapy / methods
  • Fascia / anatomy & histology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ligaments / anatomy & histology
  • Low Back Pain / etiology
  • Models, Biological
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases / etiology
  • Musculoskeletal Manipulations / methods*
  • Musculoskeletal Manipulations / standards
  • Pelvic Floor / anatomy & histology
  • Pelvic Floor / physiopathology
  • Posture
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Professional Role
  • Respiration Disorders / etiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urethra / anatomy & histology
  • Urethra / physiopathology
  • Urinary Incontinence, Stress* / diagnosis
  • Urinary Incontinence, Stress* / etiology
  • Urinary Incontinence, Stress* / physiopathology
  • Urinary Incontinence, Stress* / therapy
  • Urodynamics