Urinary Incontinence

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Urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine. It is a relatively common condition that can affect people of all ages, although it is more prevalent in older adults. There are different types of urinary incontinence, including stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, functional incontinence, and mixed incontinence. Here's a brief overview of each type:

1. Stress incontinence: This type of incontinence occurs when physical activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising put pressure on the bladder, causing urine leakage.
2. Urge incontinence: Also known as overactive bladder, urge incontinence involves a sudden, intense urge to urinate, followed by an involuntary loss of urine. It is often caused by an overactive detrusor muscle in the bladder.
3. Overflow incontinence: This occurs when the bladder doesn't empty completely, leading to frequent or constant dribbling of urine. It can be caused by a blockage or weakened bladder muscles.
4. Functional incontinence: This type of incontinence is not related to problems with the urinary system but rather to physical or cognitive impairments that make it difficult for a person to reach the bathroom in time.
5. Mixed incontinence: Mixed incontinence refers to a combination of different types of urinary incontinence, such as stress and urge incontinence occurring together.

Urinary incontinence can have various causes, including weakened pelvic floor muscles, hormonal changes, nerve damage, urinary tract infections, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, or neurological disorders.

 A systematic review published in 2013 analyzed the available research on acupuncture for urinary incontinence and found some positive results based in Korea. ( Acupuncture for the treatment of urinary incontinence: A review of randomized controlled trials - PMC (nih.gov)).  However, the quality of the studies included in the review was generally low, and more high-quality research is needed to draw definitive conclusions. 

Published research in 2017 demonstrated "the effectiveness of electroacupuncture applied to the lumbosacral (lower back) region." ( Acupuncture Beats Drugs For Urinary Incontinence (healthcmi.com) ).

From my experience, at least acupuncture is really helpful for urinary incontinence because of pelvic floor muscles.

The coordination between the pelvic floor muscles and the muscles of the lower abdomen and thighs is important for various functions such as urinary and fecal control, sexual function, and organ support.

1. Pelvic floor muscles and lower abdominal muscles: The pelvic floor muscles and the lower abdominal muscles work together to support the organs within the abdominal cavity, including the bladder and uterus. The coordinated contraction and relaxation of these muscle groups are crucial for the control of urine and feces. When the pelvic floor muscles contract, they provide support to the bladder, aiding in urine control. The contraction of the lower abdominal muscles can also increase pressure on the bladder, assisting in the control of urine voiding.
2. Pelvic floor muscles and thigh muscles: The coordination between the pelvic floor muscles and thigh muscles primarily involves posture control and stability. The strength and stability of the pelvic floor muscles can impact the function and movement control of the thigh muscles. For example, during standing or walking, the stability of the pelvic floor muscles provides support to the pelvis, allowing the thigh muscles to work effectively.

In summary, the coordination between the pelvic floor muscles and the muscles of the lower abdomen and thighs is crucial for urinary and fecal control, posture stability, and functional movement. Maintaining the health and appropriate coordination of these muscles is key to maintaining normal function of the urinary system and musculoskeletal system.

 In clinical practice, many patients with urinary incontinence often exhibit compensatory tension in the lower abdominal and thigh muscles. Addressing these visible and palpable muscles or muscle groups can often yield unexpected results. This treatment approach benefits from the theoretical innovation of  Fu’s Subcutaneous Needling(FSN)

More about FSN:  Fu's subcutaneous needle - Wikipedia