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Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapy

By Shannon Strauch, PTA, STMT-1 on 9/13/2024

Pelvic floor therapy is often associated with adults, but did you know it’s also a highly effective treatment for children? Pediatric pelvic floor therapy can address a variety of bladder, bowel, and pelvic pain issues that affect kids, improving their quality of life and preventing long-term complications. This specialized therapy is gentle, non-invasive, and tailored to a child’s specific needs. In this blog, we’ll explore the common conditions pediatric pelvic floor therapy can treat and how it works.

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Common Pediatric Conditions Treated:

1. Encopresis (Fecal Incontinence):

   Encopresis is the involuntary leaking of stool, often caused by chronic constipation that leads to impacted bowels. This condition can be frustrating and embarrassing for children, but pelvic floor therapy offers a solution. The therapy focuses on retraining the muscles involved in bowel movements and addressing underlying coordination issues between the brain and the pelvic floor muscles. Techniques such as biofeedback help children learn how to relax and contract their muscles properly, promoting regular bowel movements and reducing leakage.

2. Bedwetting (Nocturnal Enuresis):

   Bedwetting is a common issue in childhood that can persist beyond the toddler years for some children. In these cases, pelvic floor therapy can be a helpful treatment. Many children who experience bedwetting have weak or poorly coordinated pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor therapists work with children to strengthen these muscles and improve their timing, which can help reduce or eliminate bedwetting episodes.

3. Constipation:

   Chronic constipation is a widespread issue in children, often caused by pelvic floor dysfunction. In cases where the pelvic floor muscles are too tight or uncoordinated, children may struggle with bowel movements, leading to discomfort, straining, and long periods between movements. Pelvic floor therapy addresses these problems by helping children learn how to relax the muscles needed for smooth bowel movements. This can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of constipation.

4. Pelvic Pain:

   Children can experience pelvic pain due to trauma, musculoskeletal issues, or other underlying conditions. Pelvic floor therapy can provide relief by improving muscle function, releasing tension, and reducing discomfort in the pelvic area. This is especially important for children who are active in sports, as they may be prone to muscle strains that affect the pelvic floor.

5. Postural Issues:

   Poor posture can place extra strain on the pelvic floor muscles, leading to dysfunction over time. This is particularly true for children who sit for long periods during school. Pelvic floor therapy helps children develop better postural habits by strengthening their core and pelvic muscles. This not only improves posture but also supports overall pelvic health and function.

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How Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapy Works:

• Assessment Phase:

  The first step in pediatric pelvic floor therapy is a thorough assessment to determine the child’s specific needs. This includes evaluating the strength, tone, and coordination of the pelvic floor muscles externally with a parent present. Depending on the condition being treated, the therapist may also assess other factors like posture, core strength, and overall movement patterns.

• Treatment Phase:

  Treatment is personalized to each child and often includes exercises that are engaging and age-appropriate. Typically, reviewing proper breathing mechanics in order to help coordinate pelvic floor muscles better, as well as teaching them how to contract and relax their pelvic floor muscles effectively. For conditions like bedwetting or pelvic pain, treatment might focus more on strengthening the muscles, stretching, improving posture and improving coordination. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in supporting the therapy at home, reinforcing the techniques and exercises learned during sessions.

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Benefits of Pelvic Floor Therapy for Children:

Pediatric pelvic floor therapy offers numerous benefits, including:

• Improved bladder and bowel control, helping with conditions like encopresis, constipation, and bedwetting.

• Relief from pelvic pain that may hinder a child’s daily activities.

• Better posture and pelvic muscle coordination, which can prevent future issues.

• Long-term pelvic health that allows children to grow and develop without the limitations caused by pelvic floor dysfunction.

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Conclusion:

Pediatric pelvic floor therapy is a highly effective, non-invasive treatment for children struggling with bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor issues. By addressing the root causes of these conditions, therapy can help children regain control over their bodies, reduce discomfort, and improve their overall well-being. If your child is experiencing any of these issues, early intervention with a pelvic floor therapist can make a significant difference in their quality of life. Is your child suffering with digestion, bowel or bladder issues? Reach out to us at Pelvic Health Center in Madison, NJ to set up an evaluation and treatment! Feel free to call us at 908-443-9880 or email us at receptionmadison@pelvichealthnj.com.

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