Why Is It Important for Occupational Therapy Practitioners (OTPs) to Address Incontinence?

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Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) are crucial in addressing incontinence because they significantly impact daily living, quality of life, and overall well-being. Incontinence is more than just a toileting issue—it affects mobility, sleep hygiene, social participation, and even fine motor skills required for managing clothing during bathroom visits. If left unaddressed, it can lead to reduced activity levels, falls, depression, and caregiver burden. Given the holistic nature of occupational therapy, OTPs are uniquely positioned to help clients integrate functional strategies into their routines to manage and improve incontinence-related challenges.

Additionally, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) recognizes the importance of OTPs in pelvic health. Historically, treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction focused on surgical and pharmacological interventions, but there has been a shift toward behavioral strategies such as bladder retraining, pelvic floor muscle exercises, and mindfulness techniques—areas in which OTPs excel. Research supports combining biofeedback with traditional pelvic floor rehabilitation as an effective approach, further validating OTPs' role in this domain. By incorporating evidence-based interventions, OTPs can help clients regain control over their bladder and bowel function, ultimately enhancing independence and participation in meaningful activities.

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Integrating Incontinence Into Occupational Therapy Treatment Plans, presented by Krista Covell-Pierson, OTR/L, BCB-PMD.