When a child experiences pelvic floor dysfunction, it can impact many areas of their life.

Bowel/bladder dysfunction can often interfere with daily school activities, social events, and sporting activities. A parent and child’s sleep may both be disrupted with nighttime leakage and the need to change clothing and sheets. A teen may avoid a slumber party or social activities for fear of embarrassment if he/she leaks. A child may avoid trying out for sports because he/she cannot control his or her bowels or has abdominal bloating.

The pelvic floor (muscles which span the bottom of the pelvis) provides support for our internal organs and assists in urinary and fecal continence. Dysfunction can arise when the muscles of the pelvic floor do not perform in their optimal fashion. Various forms of dysfunction and physical symptoms can result from pelvic floor muscles that are in spasm, weak, or become uncoordinated. This dysfunction can ultimately persist into adulthood, and thus prompt attention during the childhood years is of great importance.

How physical therapy can help your child

Our services can benefit children (ages 4 and up) who have any of the following concerns:

• Stress urinary incontinence (loss of urine with sneezing/laughing/coughing/physical activity)
• Bedwetting
• Urge incontinence (strong urge to urinate with the inability to make it to the bathroom in time)
• Urinary frequency
• Frequent bladder infections/UTIs
• Constipation and abdominal pain/gas/bloating
• Difficulty urinating or fully emptying bowels
• Bowel incontinence, painful bowel movements
• Pelvic pain/muscle spasm

After the initial evaluation is completed, your therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan. Treatments are modified based on each child’s unique needs and goals. This plan of care may include any or all of the following:

• Pelvic floor muscle activation and/or relaxation
• Biofeedback
• Behavioral and diet modification
• Bladder re-training schedule
• Myofascial release
• Home exercise program