Incomplete Emptying of Bladder

Urinary retention is characterized by the inability to completely empty the bladder when urinating. In the absence of an infection or other trauma or damage to the nerves of the bladder, pelvic health physical therapy can help with the sensation of not fully emptying the bladder.

Once the urine stream has stopped, you should feel as though you have fully emptied and no longer feel the need to push or strain. If you are finding that you still have the sensation of needing to empty further (and do not have any neurologic changes such as a spinal cord injury, or pelvic surgery or trauma), it may mean there dysfunction between your pelvic floor muscles and bladder.

A pelvic health physical therapist can perform an assessment to see where the dysfunction is occurring and provide relevant education and exercises to help reduce or eliminate these symptoms.