The Bathroom Key: Put an End to Incontinence

by Kathryn Kassai PT, CES, Kim Perelli

Overview

Urinary incontinence is an underdiagnosed and underreported condition with major economic and psychosocial effects on society. Women are more likely to experience it due to issues with the pelvic floor brought on by pregnancy and menopause. The Bathroom Key is a treatment plan for women to cure their own incontinence issues. It also allows women to identify with other women through the anecdotal stories that echo their feelings of isolation and embarrassment. Written in easy-to-understand language, the book is a genuine teaching tool, guiding the reader to a better understanding of her body and effective remedies.

Whereas in recent years some mention of the Kegel muscles and exercises have become common knowledge, this book is much more than just Kegels. By incorporating key elements of the physical therapy approach in this book, the reader will be encouraged to self-assess, modify behaviors, re-train her bladder, alter dietary habits, and practice a variety of exercises to self-treat and cure her incontinence. In most cases urinary incontinence is completely treatable with physical therapy. Women can regain bladder control, not have to take medications, throw away pads and regain their dignity.

The Bathroom Key Is:

• Written in a "friend to friend" style that reveals the secrecy around urinary incontinence through real life stories of women dealing with the embarrassing and life-altering symptoms
• Advocates for PT as something that can radically help the problem
• Lists a variety of behavioral and practical exercises and allow people to self-treat at home ( and also tells them when they need to see a physical therapist)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781617050855
Publisher:	Springer Publishing Company
Publication date:	12/20/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	197
File size:	6 MB

About the Author

Kathryn Kassai, PT, CES, has over 32 years experience as a physical therapist. She founded Praxis Physical Therapy in San Pedro, California in 1988. Kathryn has specialized in the conservative treatment of incontinence, pelvic floor rehabilitation and pelvic pain for the past 15 years.

Kim Perelli, works for SwaddleBaby, manufacturers of a patented swaddling blanket. She resides in Long Beach, CA and is the married mother of two children.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. The Hidden Epidemic of Urinary Incontinence
Chapter 2. Stress Urinary Incontinence
Chapter 3. Urge Urinary Incontinence
Chapter 4. Behavior Modification
Chapter 5. Women Affected by Urinary Incontinence
Chapter 6. Pelvic Floor Pain and Sexual Issues
Chapter 7. Incontinence and Depression
Chapter 8. Physical Therapy Cures Incontinence
Chapter 9. How Dry I Am... How Wet I'll Be... If I Don't Find... THE BATHROOM KEY...
Appendix I Self-Assessment Tool
Appendix II Resources to Find Specialists
Appendix III Bladder Diary Form

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Physical therapist Kassai and Perelli, who successfully treated her incontinence with the suggestions in this book, describe normal bladder function and four types of incontinence and their causes. While personal consultation with a physical therapist is recommended, Kassai presents her own eight- to 12-week program with specific exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and eliminate leakage. Dietary changes and regular exercise, including Pilates, are recommended. A list of resources and products as well as a glossary are included. The positive tone, combined with women's stories of success, should prove inspirational to readers. Exercises are well explained and easy to follow."-Library Journal

Editorial Reviews

"Physical therapist Kassai and Perelli, who successfully treated her incontinence with the suggestions in this book, describe normal bladder function and four types of incontinence and their causes. While personal consultation with a physical therapist is recommended, Kassai presents her own eight- to 12-week program with specific exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and eliminate leakage. Dietary changes and regular exercise, including Pilates, are recommended. A list of resources and products as well as a glossary are included. The positive tone, combined with women's stories of success, should prove inspirational to readers. Exercises are well explained and easy to follow."-"Library Journal"

From the Publisher

Urinary incontinence (UI) becomes an issue for over 50 percent of American women at some point during their lives. Many primary-care physicians consider this a normal part of aging and treat the condition with drugs. The authors contend that UI is not a normal part of aging and that appropriate physical therapy has been proven the most effective treatment in resolving the problem—a fact borne out in the medical literature. Physical therapist Kassai and Perelli, who successfully treated her incontinence with the suggestions in this book, describe normal bladder function and four types of incontinence and their causes. While personal consultation with a physical therapist is recommended, Kassai presents her own eight- to 12-week program with specific exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and eliminate leakage. Dietary changes and regular exercise, including Pilates, are recommended. A list of resources and products as well as a glossary are included. VERDICT The positive tone, combined with women's stories of success, should prove inspirational to readers. Exercises are well explained and easy to follow. An important addition to consumer health collections.—Janet M. Schneider, James A. Haley Veterans Hosp., Tampa

Library Journal