A groundbreaking study from UC San Francisco reveals that women dealing with urinary incontinence after childbirth may find just as much relief through telehealth as they do with traditional in-person physical therapy!

A Game-Changer for Millions of Women!

This pivotal research is the first of its kind, comparing telehealth approaches directly with face-to-face pelvic physical therapy. The findings may pave the way for innovative treatment options for a condition that impacts millions of women, particularly after giving birth.

Telehealth: The Future of Postpartum Care?

Published in the April 2025 issue of the Journal of Women's & Pelvic Physical Therapy, the study is garnering attention for its promising results. Jennifer Kinder, a leading physical therapy professor and women's health specialist at UCSF, notes, "This paper provides valuable preliminary evidence of telehealth's effectiveness and overall satisfaction for treating stress urinary incontinence. This is an important step in creating more accessible and affordable care for our postpartum mothers."

Understanding the Impact of Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is a common but often overlooked issue, with predictions that over 43 million women will experience some form of pelvic floor dysfunction in the next two decades. Approximately 30% of women may develop incontinence following their first vaginal delivery, and for many, the issue can persist long after childbirth and may even worsen without treatment.

Challenges in Accessing Treatment

While physical therapy can effectively manage this condition, many women face challenges in accessing care due to childcare responsibilities and work commitments. The study involved 30 women who were randomized to receive treatment via telehealth or in-person—averaging 1.5 years postpartum and in good health. The participants reported their symptoms at various intervals throughout the four-week study and at follow-ups after one year.

Promising Results for All!

The results are encouraging, with a significant reduction in symptoms reported by all participants, regardless of the mode of treatment. The benefits persisted not just during the study but remained impactful even a year later!

This groundbreaking research could be the key to revolutionizing how new mothers receive care for postpartum incontinence, making it more manageable and accessible for those in need.