Physiotherapy assessment for female urinary incontinence

Introduction and hypothesis As noted in the 6th International Consultation on Incontinence (ICI) chapter "Initial Management of Urinary Incontinence in Women" recommendations call for including physiotherapy as a first-line therapy. Methods Building on this, checking available scientific evidence and using the International Classification of Functioning, Disabilities and Health, the following represents a holistic physiotherapist approach for initial evaluation of the health problem of urinary incontinence. Results This paper proposes a teaching module for every relevant health care professional dealing with the assessment of adult female urinary incontinence, focusing on optimal patient selection and appropriate treatment choice. Conclusion The assessment stage involves the explicit decision as to whether "physiotherapy" is the treatment indicated for the patient, based on the findings of the physiotherapy assessment and supplemented by any medical information that accompanied the referral and evaluation.