Pediatric Pelvic Floor PT
As a long-time pelvic floor physical therapist, I’ve fielded calls and referrals for years asking about pelvic floor physical therapy. I’ve always politely demurred, recommending people instead contact their local pediatric physical therapy clinic. It wasn’t until I spoke to a pediatric PT a few months ago that I realized that they often send these people back to pelvic floor PTs — which means that kids with pelvic health issues often end up in the healthcare version of no man’s land.
Pediatric PTs get into their field because they love treating children, and pelvic floor therapists get into their field because they love treating conditions affecting the pelvic floor. Unfortunately for kiddos with toileting issues, this tends to turn into two separate groups of people with very little overlap. The pediatric PT I spoke with had no interest in attending further training on the pelvic floor, and most pelvic floor PTs I know just want to focus on the moms, not the little ones.
As a mom of two little guys, I love spending time with kids — so, I decided to train as a pediatric pelvic floor specialist. And let me tell you — my mind was blown by all that I learned.
A major issue that pedicatric pelvic floor PTs treat regularly is constipation. Kids can be constipated for myriad reasons (toilet phobia and refusal, poor fiber intake, spasm to pelvic floor muscles, poor ability to contract/relax the muscles properly, and more). Kids, like adults, should have regular, painfree bowel movements (by age 4 it should be anywhere from 4-9 times per week). What determines whether it’s a problem worth seeking help for is what kind of symptoms that go along with it. Constipation tends to put extra pressure on the pelvic floor, which leads to leaks of stool and urine — including at night!
Did you know that up to 20% of 5 year old’s and 10% of 10 year old’s wet the bed?
By the age of 16, 2% of teens still suffer from issues of nighttime bedwetting. This can be related to genetics, airway and breathing issues, constipation or some combination of the three.
Pelvic floor PTs who specialize in treating kids have all sorts of tips and tricks to make kids (and parents) more able to self-manage toileting and reduce dysfunction. We take the stigma out of issues that you may have suffered with in silence for years and can help you actively make a change. Treatments are fun and usually involve toys, “playing,” and earning prizes.
One important thing to note about pelvic floor PT in kids is that there is no internal assessment or treatment whatsover. In most cases, the child is able to remain fully clothed (in comfortable clothing in which they can move easily) throughout their course of care.
The primary tool of a pediatric pelvic floor PT is the ability to educate both you and your child in expanding their toolbox to help solve their problems. This can be tremendously empowering, especially after struggling for what is often years without answers.
If you’re tired of a watch and wait approach to helping your kid live a worry-free life, schedule a discovery call today to see how we can help!
