Treating Overactive Bladder (Urinary Incontinence)

What is Overactive Bladder?

Overactive bladder (OAB) causes urinary frequency and urgency.  The symptoms vary, but include: the urgent need to urinate, frequent urination, and urinary leakage (incontinence).  These symptoms do not typically go away on their own and can get worse over time without treatment.

Who is affected by Overactive Bladder?

Overactive bladder affects more than 30 million people in the United States - including 30% of men and 40% of women. It usually affects people aged 65 and older, however, women can be affected at a younger age as a result of childbirth and menopause.

How do you treat Overactive Bladder? 

We offer an evidence-based treatment for OAB called Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS).  During this treatment, electrostimulation (e-stim) is applied to a specific acupuncture point in the lower leg. The stimulation travels along the tibial nerve and then to the sacral nerves, which control bladder function.

The recommended treatment schedule is one 30 minute treatment per week for 12 consecutive weeks. Following the initial course of treatment, we typically treat every two weeks for two months, then move to a once a month maintenance treatment.

If you or a loved one are experiencing overactive bladder, contact our office at 973-910-1441 to schedule an evaluation.    

Jason Sargis, DAOM, Dipl Ac (NCCAOM), C.SMA, LAc, is an acupuncturist and herbalist at Total Acupuncture and Physical Therapy in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. He earned a Master of Science in Acupuncture in 2008 and a Master of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2009 from the Tristate College of Acupuncture in New York, NY. Jason went on to earn his Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland, OR.  Dr. Jason Sargis is committed to excellence in the clinical space by expanding his knowledge base and skill set, and provides well-rounded and thoughtful treatment for all patients.

Dr. Sargis’s approach to acupuncture is informed by his clinical studies in Beijing and his background as a biology major at the University of Chicago, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree.  Dr. Sargis’s practice focuses on helping people achieve optimal health and well-being in every phase of their healing journey.