- Stress Incontinence: leaking when laughing, sneezing, exercising, lifting
- Urge Incontinence: sudden, strong urge to pee followed by leakage
- Mixed Incontinence: a combination of both
- Post-Void Dribbling: leaking right after urinating
- Overflow Incontinence: bladder doesn’t empty fully
- Functional Incontinence: difficulty reaching the bathroom in time due to mobility issues
Post-void dribbling — the topic of this blog — is incredibly common and often linked to pelvic floor weakness or coordination issues.
Why Dribbling of Urine Happens
Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that help control your bladder. If these muscles weaken, urine can remain in the urethra and leak out after standing up or moving.
Common causes include:
- Pregnancy & childbirth
- Chronic coughing
- Heavy lifting
- Aging
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Weight changes
- Prostate issues (in men)
Pelvic Floor Tightness or Poor Coordination
Surprisingly, incontinence is not always caused by weakness — sometimes the muscles are too tight and can't relax to let the bladder empty fully.
This leads to:
- Dribbling
- Straining
- Slow or weak urine stream
- Feeling of incomplete emptying
A pelvic floor physiotherapist can identify which issue — tightness or weakness — is causing symptoms.
Prostate-Related Issues (Men)
After prostate surgery or with prostate enlargement, urine may get trapped behind the sphincter, causing dribbling.
Pelvic physio is extremely helpful for restoring coordination in these cases.
Poor Bladder Habits
Certain habits can worsen dribbling, such as:
- Rushing during urination
- Hovering instead of sitting
- Peeing “just in case”
- Drinking too much caffeine
- Weak toilet posture
These habits change how the pelvic floor muscles fire and relax.
How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Helps
Pelvic health physiotherapists are specially trained to evaluate the muscles, nerves, fascia, and coordination of the pelvic region.
Here’s how treatment works:
Detailed Assessment
Your first session typically includes:
- Medical history
- Bladder and bowel habits
- Fluid intake patterns
- Pelvic alignment assessment
- Core strength review
- Breathing pattern evaluation
Depending on comfort level, an internal pelvic exam may be recommended — but only with your full consent.
Identifying the Cause (Weakness vs Tightness)
One of the most important roles of pelvic physio is determining if your muscles are:
- Weak and need strengthening
- Tight and need relaxation
- Poorly coordinated (can’t contract or relax at the right time)
This determines your entire treatment plan.
Pelvic Floor Strengthening (if needed)
.If weakness is causing dribbling, your therapist will guide you through:
- Proper pelvic floor contraction (“Kegels” done correctly)
- Endurance training
- Fast-twitch activation for sudden pressure
- Functional strengthening during activities like lifting, coughing, or squatting
Many people think they’re doing pelvic exercises correctly, but research shows up to 40% perform them wrong without guidance.
Pelvic Floor Relaxation (if tightness is the issue)
If tightness is the cause, strengthening will make symptoms worse.
Instead, therapy focuses on:
- Relaxation techniques
- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Manual therapy
- Stretching
- Releasing overactive muscles
This approach helps the bladder empty completely, reducing dribbling.
Bladder Training & Habit Correction
Your therapist will help you restructure habits that contribute to leakage, such as:
- Not pushing or straining
- Avoiding “just in case” peeing
- Improving toilet posture
- Spacing hydration through the day
These adjustments alone can significantly reduce symptoms.
Core & Hip Strengthening
The pelvic floor is part of a system — the core, hips, and lower back all work together. Weakness in any of these areas can contribute to incontinence.
Your program may include exercises for:
- Transverse abdominis
- Glutes
- Deep hip rotators
- Lower back stabilizers
Education & Empowerment
One of the biggest advantages of pelvic physio is that you gain confidence and a better understanding of your body. You learn:
- How your bladder works
- What triggers your symptoms
- Which exercises help
- What to avoid
- How to maintain results long-term
Knowledge is a huge part of recovery.
How Long Until You See Results?
Most people see improvement within:
- 3–6 weeks with consistent exercises
- Faster if paired with habit correction
- Longer if symptoms have been present for years
Post-prostate surgery may take more time, depending on healing.
When to See a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist in Mississauga
Seek help if you experience:
- Dribbling after urination
- Leakage when coughing or exercising
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Urgency or frequent urination
- Pelvic pain
- Reduced bladder control
Pelvic physiotherapy is one of the most effective non-invasive treatments available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a referral to see a pelvic physiotherapist in Ontario?
Ans: No, you can self-refer.
Q: Is pelvic physio uncomfortable?
Ans: It should never be painful. Internal exams are optional and always done with consent.
Q: Is pelvic physio helpful for men too?
Ans: Yes — especially for dribbling after urination, prostate-related issues, and pelvic pain.
Q: Is it covered by insurance?
Ans: Most extended health plans cover pelvic floor physiotherapy. Aurika Wellness offers direct billing.