My guest this evening was Rebekah Taylor, a physiotherapist at Spire Hartswood Hospital. Rebekah qualified in 2008 and specialises in womens health as well as musculoskeletal therapy.
Rebekah was talking about Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation or PTNS for short. It’s a treatment for patients with an overactive bladder or faecal incontinence. It’s preferable for many as it’s non invasive. A tiny needle electrode is temporarily inserted close to the ankle. This is then connected to a battery powered stimulator. The stimulator’s impulses travel through the tibial nerve in the ankle to the sacral nerve plexus that controls bladder and sphincter function; this in turn helps the patient regain control of their bladder or bowel. The treatment is 30 minutes and is once a week for 6 or 12 weeks.
Statistics produced by the Urgent PC Company suggest that it is 60 to 80% successful. Success at the Hartswsood has been 100% so far!! That’s probably because at the Hartswood they offer a complete service that also involves advice on bladder retraining and pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen the appropriate muscles.
Incontinence and overactivity can really have a dramatic effect on people’s quality of life. It can stop people from going out and they can become quite embarrassed about their condition. Overcoming these problems can mean regaining confidence and good quality of life. It can also have a huge effect on personal relationships which tends to be the most distressing for patients.
Top up sessions may be required but that is down to the individual and may not be necessary if the recommended exercises are adhered to.
To find out more you can contact Rebekah at the Hartswood on 01277 266780. You can also get this treatment on the NHS, in which case contact your local GP who will then give you a referral.
