Women experiencing urinary incontinence after childbirth may benefit just as much from telehealth services as from in-person physical therapy, according to a new study from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). This marks the first study to compare virtual pelvic floor therapy with conventional face-to-face treatment directly. Remote care could become a valuable tool in addressing a condition that affects millions of women worldwide, particularly those navigating the demands of early motherhood.
The study, published in the April 2025 issue of the Journal of Women’s and Pelvic Physical Therapy, offers encouraging news for women suffering from stress urinary incontinence—a common yet often overlooked postpartum issue. This condition, characterised by the involuntary leakage of urine during physical activity, frequently begins after vaginal delivery. While many cases resolve with time and targeted therapy, others may persist or worsen, particularly if left untreated. Traditional physical therapy has proven effective, but many new mothers face barriers that make attending appointments difficult.
“Telehealth presents a promising alternative for postpartum women who may struggle with childcare, work schedules, or transportation,” said Dr Jennifer Kinder, PT, DPTSc, an associate professor in UCSF’s Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science. “Our study provides preliminary but meaningful evidence that virtual care can be just as effective as in-person sessions for treating stress urinary incontinence. It’s a step towards expanding access to quality care for a population that often goes underserved.”
The research team conducted a randomised trial involving 30 women who were, on average, 1.5 years postpartum. With a median age of 37 and most having given birth to two children, the participants were otherwise healthy. Half were assigned to telehealth sessions, while the others received traditional in-person therapy. All participants tracked their symptoms over four weeks, with follow-up assessments conducted at five weeks and one year after the study concluded. The results showed that both groups experienced significant and lasting symptom improvements.
Notably, the improvements were comparable across both groups, indicating that the delivery method—virtual or in-person—did not affect the overall outcome. One year after the study, participants in both groups continued to report sustained benefits. These results challenge the assumption that in-person contact is essential for effective pelvic floor therapy, opening the door to more flexible and scalable models of care that could reach women regardless of their geographical or social constraints.
Looking ahead, the study highlights a growing need for innovative care solutions. With an estimated 43 million women projected to experience pelvic floor dysfunction over the next 20 years, the demand for effective and accessible treatment will only increase. Telehealth has the potential not only to relieve symptoms but also to reduce health disparities by reaching women who might otherwise forgo treatment. As the healthcare landscape evolves, this research adds momentum to the case for digital solutions in postpartum care—delivering support when and where it is most needed.
More information: Jennifer Kinder et al, Feasibility and Acceptability of a Protocol-Based Telehealth Treatment for Stress Urinary Incontinence in Postpartum Women: A Pilot Randomized Trial, Journal of Women s & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. DOI: 10.1097/JWH.0000000000000329
Journal information: Journal of Women s & Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Provided by University of California – San Francisco
