You love running, but you're noticing urinary leakage during your runs. You're not alone—and
you don't have to just live with it.
Running creates repeated impact and increased pressure through your abdomen and pelvis.
Why Does Running Cause Leakage?
Running creates repeated impact and rapid changes in pressure throughout your abdomen and pelvis. With every stride, your pelvic floor muscles need to coordinate with your breathing, trunk, and lower extremities to help manage that pressure.
If the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles are not coordinating effectively with the demands of running, leakage can occur.
But here's the important part:
Urinary leakage does not automatically mean that your pelvic floor is weak.
Your pelvic floor may be weak, but it may also be too tense, fatigued, poorly coordinated, or unable to respond quickly enough to the demands of running.
Your Pelvic Floor Is Part of Your Running System
Think of your pelvic floor as one piece of a larger system.
Your:
● Diaphragm
● Abdominal muscles
● Pelvic floor
● Hip muscles
● Spine and pelvis
all work together to manage pressure and provide stability while you move.
Running challenges this system repeatedly. That's why someone may have no leakage while
walking or performing everyday activities but experience leakage once they start running.
What Can Help?
A pelvic health physical therapist can assess your pelvic floor, core, hip strength, breathing, and running mechanics to determine what your body needs.
Treatment may include:
● Pelvic floor strengthening or relaxation
● Breathing and pressure-management techniques
● Core and hip strengthening
● Running-specific exercises and modifications
You don't have to stop running because of leakage. With the right approach, you can work
toward running with greater confidence and control.
Leaking is common—but it doesn't have to be your normal.
Let's figure out why it's happening—and help you get back to running with confidence.
— Dr. Khalil, PT | Pelvic Health Physical Therapist
Reference:
Mayo Clinic - Urinary Incontinence
Call us for a free consultation today!