Pediatric Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
About Pediatric Incontinence
As many as 1 in 7 school-aged children will struggle with pelvic floor dysfunction presented as incontinence. Many of these children will go on to suffer with bladder and bowel management into adulthood if it isn’t properly treated. The cause of pediatric incontinence is often times related to lack of strength or coordination of the muscles that make up the pelvic floor. Pelvic floor dysfunction can also present as leaking urine or feces, constipation, changes in voiding frequency, or a combination of these symptoms.
Role of Physical Therapists in Managing Pediatric Incontinence
Physical therapy can help in providing exercises for the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, improving posture, and providing patient and family education for improved pelvic health. A specially trained physical therapist will work individually with your child and your family to provide optimal family centered care to improve your child’s symptoms.
Is Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Right for Your Child?
Physical therapists can treat a wide array of causes of pelvic floor dysfunction including the following diagnoses:
- Bedwetting
- Constipation
- Fecal incontinence
- Overactive bladder
- Urinary frequency/retention
- Urinary incontinence
- Urinary urgency
You will begin by meeting with a specially trained physical therapist to discuss your child’s bladder/bowel habits and they will assess your child’s symptoms. The physical therapist will then perform an examination of pelvic floor muscles, abdominal/core muscles, range of motion and posture. Based on your evaluation, treatment will include:
- Behavior and diet strategies to improve your child’s bathroom habits
- Biofeedback
- Bladder re-training
- Core strengthening
- Patient and family education
- Pelvic floor muscle re-education
- Posture training
To learn more about Pediatric Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation, click here.