RR-PO-1003

Monday 11:30, Palau de Congressos, Exhibition Hall  [Display No. 788]

MEDICAL MASSAGE IN RE-EDUCATION OF SPHINCTER MUSCLE OF THE BLADDER Kassolik K., Andrzejewski W., Ratajczak B., Bujnowska-Fedak M., Demidaś A., Srebniak J.; Department of Physiotherapy, Academy of Physical Education, Wrocław, Poland Aim of the Study: incontinence of urine occurs in patients of both genders and does not affect only old people. Incontinence of urine is defined by International Continence Society (ICS) as an, objectively diagnosed, involuntary leak of urine through the urethra, which constitutes social and hygienic problem. This affliction affects mainly women. It affects from 25 to 40% of women in the age range 25-65. Treatment starts with pharmaco-therapy in which hormonal replacement therapy is used along with anticholinergic drugs. Physiotherapy consist in electro-stimulation, Kegl's exercises and biofeedback. Supportive vaginal insertions are also common. The study is an attempt to evaluate efficacy of medical massage used in incontinence of urine. RELEVANCE: Medical massage as a method of physiotherapy can be used in different afflictions. The researchers have carried out pilot studies in which they attempted to determine usefulness of medical massage in treatment of incontinence of urine in women around the age of menopause. MATERIAL: The studies involved a group of 20 women - patients of Model Family Doctor Practice - at the age of 45 - 60. METHOD: The patients participating in the study had medical massage which was to normalise tonus of ligament apparatus in the area of the bladder, restoration of proper distribution of venous blood and lymph in the area of the bladder, as well as, improvement of the function of the bladder's sphincter. The physiotherapy consisted in a series of 18 massages every second day (each massage lasting 20 min). RESULTS: 6 out of 20 participating women reported no incontinence of urine after the therapy. 11 women reported significant improvement. 3 patients reported no positive effect. CONCLUSIONS: It is a pilot study, nonetheless, it can be assumed with some degree of doubt that medical massage may be an effective method of treatment of incontinence of urine. Therefore, it is vital that further studies should be carried out.