Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapy
Childhood bladder and bowel dysfunction is a common issue, affecting a significant number of children. In fact, incontinence problems account for 20% of all pediatric visits. The great news is that non-invasive physical therapy techniques have proven to be highly effective in treating these disorders. “Dysfunctional voiding” is the term used to describe difficulties with bladder and bowel control in children. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of the various diagnoses that fall under dysfunctional voiding.
The Facts
Childhood bladder and bowel dysfunction is a common issue, affecting a significant number of children. In fact, incontinence problems account for 20% of all pediatric visits. The great news is that non-invasive physical therapy techniques have proven to be highly effective in treating these disorders. “Dysfunctional voiding” is the term used to describe difficulties with bladder and bowel control in children. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of the various diagnoses that fall under dysfunctional voiding.
People often become aware of their symptoms through our website, blog, or social media. Some diagnosed individuals lack a local pelvic floor physical therapist. Others with a therapist feel stuck or don’t observe improvement. Some seek opinions from other trusted experts, and in uncertain times, some prefer not to leave their homes. Whatever your needs, we’re here and ready to assist!
Our team members specializing in addressing pelvic floor disorders have diverse areas of expertise. We are dedicated to supporting you and providing assistance, whether through in-person or virtual appointments. For virtual visits, payment is required in advance, and it is important to note that these visits cannot be refunded.
The Facts
- 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
People often become aware of their symptoms through our website, blog, or social media. Some diagnosed individuals lack a local pelvic floor physical therapist. Others with a therapist feel stuck or don’t observe improvement. Some seek opinions from other trusted experts, and in uncertain times, some prefer not to leave their homes. Whatever your needs, we’re here and ready to assist!
Our team members specializing in addressing pelvic floor disorders have diverse areas of expertise. We are dedicated to supporting you and providing assistance, whether through in-person or virtual appointments. For virtual visits, payment is required in advance, and it is important to note that these visits cannot be refunded.
Bladder Voiding Dysfunction
Helping a child gain control over their bladder can be challenging. Even after toilet training, their bladder may continue to act in ways similar to an infant’s automatic bladder. This can be problematic because toilet training usually happens when children are busy playing and exploring. To avoid interrupting their fun, some children start holding their urine for as long as possible.
This habit of “holding” can result in muscle contractions and dysfunction in the pelvic floor and urinary sphincter. This can cause issues with urination, such as difficulty sensing bladder fullness, daytime leaks or bedwetting, urinary urgency and frequency, and frequent bladder infections.
How PT Can Help
Pelvic floor physical therapy is highly effective in addressing voiding dysfunction. By using biofeedback, the therapist can help children improve their pelvic floor muscle control. During the session, the child will be connected to a biofeedback monitor using stickers and will receive feedback on their pelvic floor contractions, relaxations, and bulges. This process enables the child to regain control of their pelvic floor.
In addition, biofeedback can also be beneficial in treating constipation. It teaches children the correct techniques for pushing and lengthening their pelvic floor muscles, which can often be done incorrectly.
Experience the benefits of pelvic floor PT and biofeedback in improving voiding dysfunction and addressing constipation.
The physical therapist will teach them how to use their breath to improve pelvic floor control. Bubbles are commonly used for this exercise.
Additionally, the therapist will educate the child about the bladder and bowel systems, helping them understand the reasons behind their voiding problems. This empowers the child to take ownership and control over the issue. Games, books, and pictures are used to teach them about anatomy. The therapist also addresses any behavioral issues related to their voiding dysfunction.
Understanding the cause of a patient’s voiding dysfunction usually requires two visits from the Physical Therapist (PT). This condition is often a result of both muscle control and behavioral problems, which can be treated.
The initial evaluation appointment lasts for one hour, while subsequent appointments usually range from thirty minutes to one hour. For the comfort and safety of the patient, a guardian is always present during each appointment. Typically, a child will need around six to eight visits to address their condition.
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At its heart, Pelvic Pain Explained is the story of how patients develop pelvic pain, the challenges patients and providers face throughout the diagnosis and treatment process, the difficult task of sifting through the different available treatment options, and the impact that an “invisible” condition has on a patient’s life and relationships, and much more.