KIDS PELVIC PHYSIOTHERAPY
Most people associate the term pelvic floor physiotherapy to women’s health but there is in fact a pelvic floor sub specialty with a focus on children with pelvic floor dysfunction.
Did you know that 20% of pediatric visits are concerning incontinence and that 15% of GI doctors visits are concerning bowel dysfunctions such as constipation?
Pediatric Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is a specialized therapy that focuses on pelvic conditions and symptoms for children from birth to 17 years of age. By 4 years of age, 90% of children have gained control over their bladder and bowel and have very few accidents.
For the remaining 10%, bowel and bladder issues can present many challenges for the individual and the family. Children often experience embarrassment and anxiety, which can impact friendships, behaviours, and the ability to participate in social events such as sleepovers or sports. If untreated, bowel and bladder dysfunction can persist into adulthood.
The biggest question we get asked is at what age is it appropriate to seek help for daytime or night time wetting? Check out this recent blog for more information.
Pediatric pelvic physiotherapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help educate children and their parents about pelvic floor dysfunction that may cause issues such as constipation and incontinence. We assist in retraining the systems and muscles to work properly to restore order and function.
Treatment is highly individualized and based on the findings of the evaluation and on your family’s goals. Most importantly, we keep it fun, engaging, and rewarding for your child.
Chantale, our pediatric physiotherapist will meet with you and your child during the initial consultation. During the first session, a comprehensive medical history will be taken. We will discuss your family’s goals and expectations.
The consultation may include examination of your child’s gross motor skills, hypermobility, and posture assessments as well as strength, range of motion, movement patterns, pelvic and core stability. If needed, an external non-invasive examination of the pelvic floor muscle will be completed to assess function of the pelvic muscles. The information gathered will help determine what treatment interventions to include in the plan to get your child better.
If your child has any pelvic floor dysfunction, it is important that you get the help you need. Often untreated pelvic floor problems can negatively impact a child’s health and well being as he/she develops. It can continue to persist into his or her life as an adult.
Pelvic health physiotherapy is effective at helping children overcome bowel and bladder challenges.
Chantale is our pediatric pelvic floor physiotherapist, a mother of three boys, and is absolutely wonderful with children. She is passionate about helping families overcome challenges they and their little ones face when it comes to potty problems.
Pediatric pelvic floor physiotherapy is a branch of physiotherapy that specializes in treating pelvic floor dysfunction in children.
The most common diagnoses we see in clinic are voiding dysfunction and constipation. Pediatric voiding dysfunction is defined as involuntary and intermittent contraction or failure to relax the urethral muscles while emptying the bladder. The dysfunctional voiding can present with variable symptoms including urinary urgency, urinary frequency, incontinence, urinary tract infections, and vesicoureteral reflux. Frequently, constipation is a culprit or cause. (Austin et al, 2014; Hodges S. 2012); Managing constipation can have a very positive effect on voiding dysfunction.
While in Ontario, it is not necessary to have a referral to seek a physiotherapy treatment; some insurance companies require such referral for coverage purposes. You might contact your provider to confirm their requirements.
When seeking treatment the parent(s) or authorized caregiver, remains present with the child and therapist during all evaluation and treatment sessions. For a minor that is 15 or 16 years of age, as long as they can understand the nature of their condition and treatment, then they can provide consent and attend treatment sessions without a parent or guardian present in the room. The teenager’s ability to provide informed consent is assessed on an individual basis.
Yes, if you have physiotherapy as part of your extended health benefits, pelvic floor assessments and treatments are covered.
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