What is Pediatric Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
COMING SOON (NOVEMBER 2024)
(Coming Soon) Most typically developing children have bowel and bladder control by age 5. Although, it is common for there to be some issues beyond the age of 5, it is not considered normal. This is where pediatric pelvic floor physiotherapy can help!
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for Children
A pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment may seem quite intimidating for families and children but it is so important to us that both the child and parent are comfortable throughout the appointment. In the initial appointment families can expect a discussion with the physiotherapist to get a detailed history of the child’s bowel and bladder habits, as well as any relevant medical history, a visual assessment of the child’s posture, breathing patterns, core and pelvic muscles, and education regarding the pelvic and core muscles and how they function. Unlike with adult populations, there is no internal assessment of the pelvic floor muscles with a child.
Following the initial assessment, your physiotherapist will come up with a treatment plan to address your findings. This may include further education of your diagnosis, reviewing voiding strategies and toileting positions, completion of a bladder diary, establishing a voiding schedule, completing a core and pelvic floor home exercise program, discussing constipation management and making dietary adjustments if needed. If necessary, external biofeedback may be used to assess the function of the pelvic floor muscles. This would involve small sensors placed externally on the skin to show whether the muscles are contracting or relaxed.
Our Winnipeg physiotherapy clinic will help you set some goals and discuss your treatment frequency and schedule going forward. We realize that this is a sensitive issue for both the child and parents and want to ensure everyone is comfortable with their experience. Families are welcome to ask questions at any point and can end an appointment or the treatment at any time. We look forward to helping you reach your goals and return to the activities you and your child love without having to worry about leaks!
Problems Physiotherapy Can Help in Kids
Common pelvic floor diagnoses in the pediatric population include but are not limited to:
- Bedwetting or Enuresis
- Constipation
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
- Dysfunctional Voiding
- Stress Incontinence
- Giggle Incontinence
- Overactive Bladder
- Underactive Bladder
- Bedwetting or enuresis
- Voiding Postponement
- Vaginal Reflux
- Urge Incontinence
- Obstruction
- Pelvic Pain