Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapy in Walnut Creek
The struggle with bladder or bowel voiding affects many children in Walnut Creek, evident from the fact that 20% of pediatric consultations center on incontinence matters. However, there’s promising news—non-invasive physical therapy methods show great promise in addressing these challenges effectively. Known as “dysfunctional voiding,” this broad term encompasses a range of diagnoses linked to children’s difficulties in managing their bladder and bowel functions:
The Facts
The struggle with bladder or bowel voiding affects many children in Walnut Creek, evident from the fact that 20% of pediatric consultations center on incontinence matters. However, there’s promising news—non-invasive physical therapy methods show great promise in addressing these challenges effectively. Known as “dysfunctional voiding,” this broad term encompasses a range of diagnoses linked to children’s difficulties in managing their bladder and bowel functions:
The Facts
Bladder Symptoms
- Nighttime bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis)
- Daytime wetting
- Stress incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Urinary frequency/urgency
- Urinary retention
- Frequent Urinary Tract Infections
- Vesicoureteral reflux
- Constipation
- Bowel incontinence and/or inability to empty bowel
- Fecal Urgency/Frequency
Bladder Voiding Dysfunction
The attainment of full control by the brain and nervous system over the bladder isn’t always realized by the time a child becomes toilet trained. Frequently, even post-toilet training, a child’s bladder retains the hyperactive/hypersensitive characteristics typical of infancy’s automatic bladder. This coincides with toilet training occurring during a period of burgeoning interests for children. To prevent disrupting their fun while playing with friends or toys, they might resort to holding their urine for as long as possible.
Engaging in the habit of “holding” triggers the contraction of pelvic floor muscles and the external urinary sphincter, potentially culminating in dysfunction characterized by a persistent irregular urinary voiding pattern. For instance, certain children may struggle to perceive bladder fullness, resulting in daytime leakage or nighttime bedwetting. Others may grapple with urinary urgency and frequency. Additionally, some may contend with recurrent bladder infections.
How a PT in Walnut Creek Can Help
When it comes to voiding dysfunction, pelvic floor physical therapy offers numerous advantages.
Through pelvic floor physical therapy, the child’s inadequate pelvic floor muscle control will be addressed utilizing biofeedback. Two externally placed stickers will connect the patient to a biofeedback monitor. With guidance from the PT in Walnut Creek, the child will perform pelvic floor contractions, relaxations, and bulges, utilizing the biofeedback screen for guidance. This method aids the child in reacquiring control over their pelvic floor.
Biofeedback can aid in addressing constipation by teaching the child proper techniques for pushing and lengthening the pelvic floor, as they may be unaware of how to do so correctly.
Additionally, the PT will guide the child in leveraging their breath to enhance pelvic floor motor control. This exercise often involves the use of bubbles.
Moreover, the PT will impart knowledge to the child about the bladder and bowel systems, helping them understand that their voiding difficulties have underlying causes rather than being random occurrences. This fosters a sense of ownership and control over the situation. Games, books, and visual aids are utilized to educate the child about anatomy. Additionally, PT addresses any behavioral issues related to their voiding dysfunction.
Generally, it takes around two sessions with the physical therapist to comprehend fully the factors contributing to the patient’s voiding dysfunction. In many cases, there’s a mixture of muscle coordination and behavioral challenges that require intervention.
During the initial evaluation, the appointment lasts for one hour, and subsequent appointments can range from thirty minutes to one hour. A guardian is always present in the room during each session, and children typically undergo six to eight visits.
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