Pediatric Pelvic Health Therapy
What is Pelvic Health Therapy?
Pediatric pelvic health therapy is a specialized field that focuses on addressing pelvic health concerns in children. This area of therapy is dedicated to evaluating and treating conditions affecting the pelvic floor muscles, which are responsible for bowel and bladder control.
Through a combination of age-appropriate exercises, behavioral interventions, nutritional strategies and education, therapists aim to optimize pelvic function and improve the overall well-being of pediatric patients. Occupational therapists can work with children who may be experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction issues such as bedwetting, constipation, pelvic pain, or difficulties with toilet training.
Would My Child Benefit From Pediatric Pelvic Health Therapy?
Occupational therapists can assist with a variety of issues related to pelvic health in children. Some common conditions and concerns that these therapists address include:
Bedwetting (Enuresis):
Therapists can work with children experiencing difficulties with bladder control during the day or night, helping them develop appropriate bladder habits and strengthening pelvic floor muscles.
Constipation and Bowel Dysfunction:
Therapists can help children who struggle with constipation, fecal incontinence, or difficulties with bowel movements.
Pelvic Pain:
Children may experience pelvic pain for various reasons, such as muscle tension or dysfunction.
Genitourinary Conditions:
Therapists may work with children dealing with genitourinary conditions, such as congenital anomalies or post-surgical rehabilitation, to optimize pelvic health and function.
Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction:
Children with pelvic muscle dysfunction, including weak or tight pelvic floor muscles, can benefit from therapeutic interventions aimed at improving muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility.
Stress Incontinence:
This occurs when there is increased pressure on the bladder, leading to leakage during activities such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.
Urge Incontinence:
Also known as overactive bladder, urge incontinence involves a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine.
Overflow Incontinence:
This occurs as frequent or constant dribbling of urine and is often a source of UTIs in children and adolescents.
Functional Incontinence:
In cases of functional incontinence, physical or cognitive impairments prevent an individual from recognizing and responding to urges in order to reach the toilet in time.
Mixed Incontinence:
Some individuals may experience a combination of different types of incontinence, such as both stress and urge incontinence.
Through a comprehensive and individualized approach, pediatric pelvic floor therapists collaborate with children, their parents, and other healthcare professionals to improve pelvic function and enhance the overall quality of life for pediatric patients.
"Our son has struggled with stool withholding and fear of pooping since he was 1.5 years ago. Doctors kept dismissing our concerns about low muscle tone so we exhausted so many options with very little success before considering occupational therapy.
Fast forward 2 years later, our son had endured laxatives, multiple supplements (which caused diarrhea and dehydration) and suppositories when all else failed. We saw two different GI doctors, worked closely with a dietician, homeopathic doctor and sought chiropractic care with very little to no improvement.
After searching for pelvic floor therapy in our area we came across Family First Therapy and started to see Meagan. She is a miracle worker! Our son quickly saw improvement in muscle tone, core and pelvic strength and gained incredible confidence within himself. In just a few short weeks, all medications were stoped and he was pooping on the toilet naturally. Meagan is so fun and encouraging and our son looks forward to working with her. We are so thankful for her and Family First Therapy and can't thank them enough for their loving, compassionate care."
"We are so glad we tried pelvic floor OT for our daughter! Our daughter struggled with constipation for YEARS. We saw specialists and believed Miralax and diet were the only options, but not seeing any improvements.
What we have learned has been invaluable. Our daughter had some muscle weakness areas that were impacting her ability to be successful with the bathroom. We has learned great exercises and tools that have also helped her overcome the emotional toll this has had on her. She is more confident in herself and we are working our way off Miralax! We are so thankful for Family First and the knowledge of our OT Meagan!"
"We started going to Family First therapy after a year and a half long battle of trying to get our son to poop on the toilet. We tried every possible option imaginable at home and were so discouraged, because at this point he was 5, and about to start kindergarten. Family First Therapy was highly recommended by close family friends and it was the best decision we ever made to go there, and wish it was a choice we had made much sooner.
We started in April of 2024 and saw Ms. Megan, who specializes in pelvic floor therapy and she was absolutely phenomenal. Our son had a lot of anxiety when it came to using the bathroom and she was able to work through his concerns and fears, and managed to get him to overcome some of the biggest obstacles. By August of 2024, our son reached the end goal and can now use the bathroom 100%. Ms. Megan was amazing in every aspect and offered so much encouragement even between sessions if there was a day that had more struggles than not. Family First Therapy will forever have our gratitude and is the number one place we will always recommend."
What to expect
Occupational therapists use a comprehensive approach tailored to a child's age and specific pelvic health issues. They conduct thorough assessments, using interviews, medical history reviews, and physical examinations.
Treatment strategies encompass age-appropriate pelvic floor exercises to enhance strength and coordination, behavioral interventions for healthy pelvic function, and educational sessions for the child and family on proper development and hygiene. Our therapists integrate functional training into the plan and encourage practical application of skills in daily life.
Throughout the process, therapists prioritize a supportive environment and open communication with both the child and their family.