Authors

  1. Ariail, Allison

Article Content

Background & Purpose: Postpartum stress urinary incontinence (SUI) often compromises a woman's ability to participate in normal daily routines or physical activities. Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training has been shown to be effective in improving continence control. Transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) imaging is a new non-invasive method for assessing the activity in the PFMs. This case report describes the use of TAUS imaging in the strengthening of a patient's PFMs. Case Description: The patient was a 29-year-old woman experiencing SUI with impact activities following a history of two vaginal deliveries, one resulting in a grade III perineal laceration. Intervention included PFM retraining with the use of TAUS imaging as an assessment and biofeedback tool. A one-year follow-up examination was performed to assess the long-term functional outcomes experienced by the patient. The patient's ability to maintain a PFM contraction during motor tasks was documented throughout the course of treatment to demonstrate this patient's gain in PFM control. Outcomes: The patient gained strength in her PFMs, enabling her to maintain a PFM contraction during various motor tasks. The patient was able to return to a running program with no SUI symptoms. Her satisfaction level was high at one-year following discharge. Discussion: The use of TAUS imaging was a helpful assessment and biofeedback tool for re-education and rehabilitation of the PFMs for this patient.