Pediatric Physical Therapy New York

As pelvic floor therapists, the most common thing we hear from parents is “I thought they would just grow out of it.” Whether that includes frequent accidents, bed wetting, constipation, or abdominal pain, children do not always grow out of these symptoms; however, they are not something that they have to live with. While occasional bowel and bladder issues are a normal part of childhood, persistent symptoms deserve attention. Many children would benefit from pelvic floor therapy as a conservative treatment to help restore healthy bowel and bladder habits while building confidence and independence.

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Normal Pediatric Pelvic Floor Function

In children and adolescents, a healthy pelvic floor knows when to naturally relax and contract. Full relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles allows children to urinate and have a bowel movement with ease and contract in order to maintain continence in between trips to the bathroom. When pelvic floor muscles are too tight or discoordinated, children can develop a number of bowel and bladder problems

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Pediatric physical therapy new york a girl sitting on exercise ball with a woman on another exercise ball in the background

Why do some children develop pelvic floor dysfunction?

There are a number of factors that contribute over time, including: diet, routine, genetics, stress/ anxiety, physical activity, and medical history (ie., connective tissue disorders, neurological conditions).

Diet

Diet can contribute if a child has low fiber intake, inadequate hydration, food sensitivities, or overconsumption; this can lead to constipation. Constipation is the leading cause of pelvic floor dysfunction in children.

Routine

A child’s routine plays a major role in their bowel/ bladder habits. Busy school schedules, distracted by play, and avoiding public restrooms often delay children from using the bathroom. Children constantly “holding it” or ignoring their body’s natural signals can lead to decreased bowel urgency and frequency.

Stress

Adolescents’ stress or anxiety from school or at home can affect their nervous system, digestive system, and pelvic floor muscles. Children and adolescents can unknowingly carry a lot of tension in their pelvic floor muscles, making it harder for them to completely empty their bladder and bowels.

Genetics

Genetics and medical history are an important piece of the puzzle. Some children may have a naturally slower GI motility or a family history of constipation or irritable bowel syndrome. Children who have experienced chronic UTIs, constipation, painful bowel movements, neurological disorders, or connective tissue disorders are more likely to experience pelvic floor dysfunction.

Potty Training

Potty training is a key developmental milestone that takes time- it is not a race! Every child is ready at a different age, and how successful the training is is largely dependent on the child simply recognizing the urge to use the bathroom. Other important factors are the child’s communication skills, emotional readiness, and family routine. Like most things in their life, children need consistency, extra time, and encouragement for successful potty training.

Here are some helpful potty training tips:

Establish a normal toileting sitting time, especially after meals
Use a child-sized potty and stool so their size and feet are supported
Encourage deep breathing instead of pushing or straining
Skip the pull-ups! Studies show that when children have an accident, they understand the feeling of being wet. Children then understand what it feels like to use the bathroom, and this is a great teaching moment!

A boy toddler sitting on a toilet reaching for toilet paper

How can pelvic floor therapy help with bed wetting and other conditions?

Pediatric pelvic floor therapy is gentle, play-based, and designed for children.
Sessions are focused on education, movement, breathing, healthy toileting habits, and proper coordination of the pelvic floor muscles.

Treatment includes:

Education for both parents and children
Bowel and bladder training
Breathwork and relaxation techniques
Posture education and toileting mechanics
Coordination and strength training
Strategies to reduce constipation and improve regularity

Bowel and bladder concerns can be frustrating and overwhelming with both parent and child alike. Pelvic floor therapy provides a supportive environment for children to build healthy bowel and bladder habits, improve their confidence and gain better control of their pelvic floor function.

Common pediatric conditions and symptoms:
Pelvic floor therapy can address a variety of pediatric conditions including:

Chronic constipation
Stool withholding
Bowel accidents
Urinary leakage
Urinary frequency
Bed wetting
Pelvic pain
Abdominal pain related to bowel dysfunction
Coordination difficulties during toileting
Incomplete voiding of bowels or bladder

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Pediatric Health Articles

Can I Benefit from Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

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Reduce Anxiety, Accidents and Bed-wetting: Understand Your Child’s Bowel and Bladder Function

You may notice that most pelvic-floor talk is from, or about, pregnant women. But did you know that men, women and children have a pelvic floor? And that pelvic floor muscles impact bowel and urination control?Until 18 months of age, a child’s pelvic floor is...

Our Licensed Physical Therapists

All of our therapists are licensed physical therapists in New York State. We have received additional certifications, which include either the WCS or the PRPC. The WCS is a women’s health physical therapy certification from the American Physical Therapy Association, which is achieved after 2000 hours of work in pelvic health/women’s health physical therapy, completion of a patient case study, as well as passing specialty examination. The PRPC is the pelvic rehabilitation practitioner certification from Herman and Wallace Institute of Pelvic Health, which is achieved after taking 4 levels of pelvic floor training, followed by passing a specialty examination. All of our therapists take continuing education classes, as well as engage in mentoring and teaching.

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Welcome New Patients

Solstice Physiotherapy accepts new patients at our five locations in New York, including Midtown and Downtown in New York City, Long Island, Huntngton and Westchester.

Contact us to make an appointment for your initial evaluation.

We do accept insurance and are out-of-network providers.

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