Did you know that we all have the same pelvic floor muscles? They are just arranged a little differently in male and female bodies. The pelvic floor muscles have a few important jobs. One job is to help control how the bowel and bladder function.
Children start to build the brain-body connection to control the bowel, bladder, and pelvic floor muscles when they start potty training. When a child has a painful bowel movement or is fearful of using the toilet, withholding may occur. This can cause constipation and lead to enuresis or encopresis. The body becomes disconnected and the bowel and bladder may not work the way we want them to. The good news is that pediatric pelvic floor therapy can help! By teaching children how to contract and relax the pelvic floor muscles, we can improve the brain-body connection and make these muscles stronger. This helps to reduce urine and fecal leakage and improve constipation.
Pediatric pelvic floor physical therapy starts with an assessment of how the pelvic floor muscles are working at rest and with movement. All evaluation of the pelvic floor muscles in children is external and may involve visual examination of the bottom (also called the perineum). Improving the ability to squeeze and relax these muscles can be very helpful in improving bowel and bladder emptying. Pediatric pelvic floor therapy can also offer support in training bowel and bladder habits, diet, hydration, massage techniques, and exercises to improve core strength.
Pediatric pelvic floor therapy is a wonderful addition to a child’s care team, helping them work towards becoming dry, confident, and independent in toileting.
Are you wondering if your child might benefit from pediatric pelvic floor therapy? Book a discovery call with me to learn more now!
