Urinary Retention Treatment in Richmond
When the bladder cannot empty properly, it can lead to a confusing mix of symptoms, including frequency, urgency and leakage. Urinary retention is less talked about than other bladder conditions, yet it responds well to skilled physiotherapy assessment.
Our specialist is experienced in identifying the cause and addressing it directly.
What Is Urinary Retention?
Urinary retention is a condition in which the bladder is unable to empty as it should. Counterintuitively, this can cause frequency, urgency and leakage rather than simply difficulty going.
In women, the causes include physical obstructions such as pelvic organ prolapse or constipation, nerve-related problems, certain medications, and dysfunction of the bladder muscle itself.
How We Treat It
Because retention has several possible causes, careful assessment comes first, followed by treatment aimed at the underlying problem.
- Pessary fitting: where prolapse is contributing to obstruction, a supportive device can relieve it.
- Pelvic floor retraining: improving the coordination needed to relax and empty effectively.
- Bladder training: restoring a healthier, more complete emptying pattern.
These approaches are well supported by evidence and are highly effective at reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Looking Beyond the Symptom
Where to Find Us
We help women across Richmond and nearby who feel their bladder never fully empties. We are based at Lawton Gate House, 7 Hill Street, Richmond, TW9 1SX, a short walk from Richmond Station and easily reached from Twickenham, Kew, Sheen, Teddington, Kingston and Barnes.
Meet Our Women's Health Physiotherapist
Breanna Walker is a Women’s Health Specialist and Chartered Physiotherapist experienced in the careful assessment that retention requires.
Her Australian Physiotherapy Association Women’s Pelvic Health Level 1 to 3 training equips her to identify whether a prolapse, the pelvic floor or another factor is preventing the bladder from emptying.
She also provides a pessary fitting service, which is often part of managing retention where a prolapse is involved. Breanna is HCPC registered under PH154328.
