Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapy
Does your child have any of these symptoms?
Urine leakage during the day (urinary incontinence)
Bedwetting
Urine leakage with laughing
Urine leakage with sports or physical activity
Frequent urination
Infrequent urination
Voiding dysfunction
Vesicoureteral reflux
Frequent urinary tract infections
Constipation
Accidental bowel movements or leakage
Pain with bowel movements
Stool withholding
Straining to complete a bowel movement
Anorectal Malformations
Pain it pelvic and/or abdominal area
If you answered "yes" to any of these symptoms pelvic floor therapy may offer solutions.
What to expect
Pediatric exams are completely different than adult pelvic floor physical therapy exams. The pediatric pelvic floor is never touched internally. Often, the pelvic floor will be be observed to visualize proper activation and relaxation of the muscle. This is done after a child friendly explanation of consent and always with guardian supervision.
After the initial evaluation, an individualized treatment plan will be developed and treatments are modified based on each child's unique needs and goals. The plan of care may include the following:
Pelvic floor muscle activation and/or relaxation
Biofeedback for retraining of the pelvic floor muscles using either surface EMG or visually with mirrors
Behavioral and diet modifications
Bladder retraining schedule
Toilet sitting posture and timing
Home exercise program
Facts
By 4 years of age 90% of children have gained control of their bowel and bladder. For the remaining 10% of children, bowel and bladder issues can present many challenges to both the child and their caregivers.
20% of pediatrician visits are for incontinence problems.
You are not alone.