We often associate pelvic floor dysfunction as an adult problem. In reality, pelvic dysfunction is NOT just an adult problem!
Many children (ages 4-18 years of age) suffer from day and night time conditions which can be embarrassing for the child and taxing on the entire family.
Some of the most common conditions may include:
- Enuresis (better known as bedwetting)
- Overactive bladder
- Fecal or urinary incontinence (leaking or dribbling during the day and/or at night)
- Dysfunctional voiding
- Constipation
- Fear of urinating or defecating
Like pelvic dysfunction in adults, these conditions are COMMON but NOT NORMAL. Research shows around 30-50% of children are constipated1 and nearly 22% of children experience bedwetting at some point in their lives2.
How can pediatric pelvic physiotherapy help?
In a functional urological system, the bladder and bowels work opposite of the pelvic floor muscles to allow for proper elimination, meaning that in order to fully void or empty their bladders, or to fully void our bowels, we need to relax our pelvic floor. However, some children do not completely relax their pelvic floor muscles. This can create any of the above listed dysfunctions. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can teach your child exercises to help them void appropriately and completely.
What does treatment include?
Unlike pelvic physiotherapy in adults, there is NO internal component to therapy. After a thorough assessment (which includes a 3 day bladder diary to be completed before your child’s first appointment), your therapist will develop an individualized treatment program that aligns with the goals of you and your child.
Treatment plan may include:
- A bladder schedule to facilitate successful voiding behaviour
- Education on bladder and bowel function and its relationship to the pelvic floor
- Improving the child’s diet to eliminate bladder irritants and constipating foods
- Constipation management
- Skin care and proper wiping techniques
- Exercises
Is this covered by my insurance?
YES. This treatment is conducted by a registered physiotherapist and can be billed to your insurance plan as physiotherapy. We work with most major insurance plans to do direct billing for our clients, whenever possible.
If you notice your child showing any of the above mentioned symptoms or if you child is complaining of constipation, call us to confirm which one of our registered physiotherapists offers this service in order to get a recommendation of the most appropriate treatment plan for your child.
Book a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy appointment for your child today!
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1 Burgers et al, 2013
2 International Children’s Continence Society Standardization document
