PELVIC FLOOR DYSFUNCTION IN CHILDREN
Pelvic Floor Dysfunction can unfortunately occur in children as well. PFD refers to a wide range of bowel and bladder dysfunctions and possibly pelvic pain too. This can be from weakness, spastic, or tight pelvic floor muscles and/or the inability of these muscles to coordinate with the bowel and bladder. If your child is experiencing any of the following they may benefit from a consult with a pelvic floor physical therapist:
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
- Increased (OAB) or Decreased Urinary Frequency (Hoarding)
- Urinary Incontinence (Leaking urine with Giggle, Urge, and/or Activity)
- Urinary Urgency (Constant/Strong need to Urinate)
- Nocturia (Nighttime Urination)
- Enuresis (Bed Wetting)
- Constipation/Abdominal Bloating/Discomfort
- Diarrhea with or without soiling or staining
- Encopresis (Fecal Leakage or Urge) or Fecal Retention
- Recurrent Infections
- Delayed Potty Training
TREATMENT:
A trained pelvic floor physical therapist will take the time needed to educate the child as well as his/her parents in diet and behavior modifications. In addition to patient and parent education on lifestyle changes, biofeedback and other non-invasive interventions such as soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, relaxation techniques, and pelvic floor exercises (if appropriate) will be utilized to restore normal bowel and bladder function.
YOUR CHILD IS NOT ALONE:
Bowel and Bladder problems occur in millions of children and can lead to poor self-esteem, anger, feelings of failure and difference than peers, and embarrassment for the child and parent. After the age of 4, bowel and bladder dysfunctions are considered a major medical problem and greatly affect the quality of life for the entire family. Physical therapy is a successful intervention for voiding and defecation dysfunctions.
Bowel and Bladder Retraining is the first step to treating these conditions. A phone consultation with a pelvic floor physical therapist can get your started on the right program.