Pediatric Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pediatric pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on treatment of bowel and bladder issues in children of all ages.
Pelvic floor dysfunction in common in children and can significantly impact their quality of life and have significant health consequences in the if not addressed. By 4 years old, the large majority (~90%) of children have daytime bowel and bladder control. For the
remaining children, bowel and bladder issues can be difficult to navigate for the child and family. This can impact their ability to participate in social events, self-esteem, and overall behavior. Pediatric pelvic floor physical therapy assists in retraining the systems and muscles to work properly to restore order and function. These issues are almost never due to laziness, stubbornness, or other emotional problems. They should always
be taken seriously and addressed with patience and compassion.
What can be addressed with Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
- Daytime urinary incontinence
(after age 4) - Nocturnal urinary incontinence or bedwetting
(after age 5) - Urine leakage with sports, activity, or laughing
- Frequent or infrequent urination
(Over or underactive bladder) - Urinary or Fecal urgency
- Holding urine
- Dysfunctional urination (poor coordination of the bladder and pelvic floor muscles)
- Constipation
- Fecal incontinence
- Straining to urinate or defecate
- Pain the pelvic or abdominal area
What happens at the first visit?
During the first visit, our pediatric physical therapist (who is trained in pelvic floor therapy for children) will meet with the child and family to learn about the current issue. An extensive history will be taken including obtaining information about the child’s bowel and bladder habits, diet, and other medical history. They will also look at the entire child to assess for orthopedic or postural concerns, developmental delays, or neurological involvement. NO internal assessments are conducted in the pediatric population. If appropriate and agreed upon by the child and family, a visual external assessment of the pelvic floor may be completed to assess the contraction of the pelvic floor, skin irritation, and sensation.
Our highly skilled, compassionate Pediatric Physical Therapist, trained in pelvic floor therapy for children, is dedicated to helping your child become more independent with daily activities.
What happens at the first visit?
Every child will receive an individualized treatment plan based on their needs. Some common treatment techniques are:
- Pelvic Floor strengthening or relaxation exercises
- Core strengthening exercises
- Posture and Breathing exercises
- Bladder training programs
- Education on bowel and bladder health, proper
toileting posture, toileting habits, hydration, diet,
and more
How common is Bed Wetting?
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, bladder control problems are common in childhood with 1 in 10 experience daytime wetting at age 5. Nighttime wetting is even more common, as outlined below:
Age
Bedwetting Numbers
5
1 in 6 children
6
1 in 7 children
7
1 in 10 children
15
1-2 in 100 children