Urinary incontinence, or the involuntary discharge of urine, is a distressful and increasingly common problem that affects more than 25 million Americans. It can be caused by an overactive bladder, neurological disease/nerve damage, immobility/inability to access a toilet quickly, or psychological disorder. Because individuals suffering from urinary incontinence may be too embarrassed to admit they have a problem or do not recognize incontinence as a treatable condition, five years pass, on average, before they seek medical care. However, 80% of them can have their condition cured or improved with treatment, and Roll for Control® from Great Lakes Caring is a unique program that increases the likeliness of that success.*
“Many of my patients are reluctant to admit that they have bladder control issues,” says Suzie Edwards, occupational therapist at Great Lakes Caring. “They equate their problems to a natural part of getting older, but the reality is: their incontinence is often easily treatable with a program like Roll for Control®.”
Roll for Control® is a urinary incontinence treatment program, designed by Phoenix Core Solutions, that aims to strengthen the pelvic muscles controlling bladder function. It is a four-step exercise process that utilizes meditation, exercise balls, therabands and standing plies to target all aspects of these core muscles. These exercises are supplemented with educational lessons of external factors, like certain foods, that can increase the prevalence of urinary incontinence.
We augment the Roll for Control® program with individualized assessments that go above and beyond the standard protocol to achieve successful results, quickly and more efficiently. A Great Lakes Caring occupational therapist facilitates the Roll for Control® program with a patient until he or she can perform the exercises safely on his or her own. We also provide medication and treatment, as prescribed by a patient’s physician, to help alleviate the underlying causes of his or her urinary incontinence.
“Once patients begin the Roll for Control® program, they can’t believe how quickly and easily they see improvements,” says Suzie. “After three or four weeks, they are surprised that they can increase their fluid intake without problems and begin to return to a more independent lifestyle, which is very exciting to them.”
To learn more about the Roll for Control® program from Great Lakes Caring, click here.
*Data from Medscape.com, Merck.com and the NAFC (2004 reporting year)
