Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Children can sadly happen in children as well. PFD belongs to a wide range of bowel and bladder dysfunctions and perhaps pelvic pain too. This can be from weakness, spastic, or tight pelvic floor muscles and/or the failure of these muscles to coordinate with the bowel and bladder. If your child is suffering from any of the following they may benefit from a consult with a pelvic floor 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 (Night-time Urination)
- Enuresis (Bed Wetting)
- Constipation/Abdominal Bloating/Discomfort
- Diarrhoea with or without soiling or staining
- Encopresis (Faecal Leakage or Urge) or Faecal Retention
- Recurrent Infections
- Delayed Potty Training
TREATMENT:
A trained pelvic floor specialist therapist will be needed to educate the child as well as his/her parents in diet and behaviour changes. In addition to patient and parent training on lifestyle changes, biofeedback, and other non-invasive interventions such as soft tissue mobilization, relaxation techniques, and pelvic floor exercises if suitable will be utilized to re-establish normal bowel and bladder function.
YOUR CHILD IS NOT ALONE:
Bowel and Bladder difficulties happen in millions of kids and can lead to poor self-esteem, anger, feelings of failure and difference than peers, and shame for the child and parent. After the age of 4, bowel and bladder dysfunctions are considered a major medical issue and greatly affect the quality of life for the entire family. Physical therapy is a successful intervention for voiding and defecation dysfunctions.
Bladder and Bowel Retraining is the first step to treating these conditions.