Pelvic Floor Therapy
Supporting Bladder, Bowel & Pelvic Health in Children
At Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies, we specialize in pediatric pelvic floor therapy to help children develop healthy bladder and bowel habits. If your child struggles with constipation, frequent accidents, urinary urgency, or pelvic discomfort, our team provides a therapeutic treatment approach designed to teach proper voiding techniques, muscle activation, and relaxation strategies.
Parent involvement is critical for success. This therapy requires a commitment to attendance, home exercises, and consistent follow-through. Without active participation, progress will be limited.
What is Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Pediatric pelvic floor therapy is a non-invasive treatment that focuses on teaching children how to properly engage and relax their pelvic floor muscles to improve bowel and bladder function. These muscles play a key role in controlling urination and bowel movements, and when they are weak, overly tight, or uncoordinated, children may experience:
Constipation:
Difficulty passing stool, stool withholding, or infrequent bowel movements.
Urinary Incontinence:
Daytime accidents and leakage.
Urinary Urgency:
Sudden urgency to urinate.
Bedwetting (Nocturnal Enuresis):
Persistent nighttime accidents beyond five years old.
Pelvic Pain & Discomfort:
Pain caused by muscle tension or difficulty coordinating the pelvic floor.
Frequent UTIs:
Dysfunctional voiding patterns contributing to recurrent infections.
Pelvic floor retraining generally takes 6-8 months of in-clinic therapy sessions and quarterly parent meetings. Completing exercises at home is necessary for success.
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What to Expect in Pelvic Floor Therapy
Our pediatric pelvic floor therapy sessions are designed to be gentle, engaging, and age-appropriate while helping children gain awareness and control over their pelvic floor muscles. Sessions may include:
- Non-Invasive Assessment: Evaluating posture, breathing, core strength, and muscle coordination.
- Biofeedback Therapy: Child-friendly tools to help children visualize muscle activity and teach control, so that they can understand how to engage or relax their pelvic floor muscles. Parents or guardians are required to be present for all biofeedback training sessions.
- Breathing & Relaxation Techniques: Exercises to improve coordination and ease muscle tension.
- Targeted Exercises & Positioning Training: Teaching children proper sitting posture, core activation, and pelvic floor relaxation for effective voiding.
- Lifestyle & Behavioral Guidance: Educating families on hydration, diet, and toileting habits that influence pelvic health.
Parental Commitment is Key to Successful Pelvic Floor Therapy
For pelvic floor therapy to be effective, parents must actively participate in their child’s treatment.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Regular Attendance is Crucial: Missing sessions can significantly impact progress. We ask families to commit to scheduled sessions and notify us in advance if rescheduling is necessary.
- Daily Home Exercises are Required: Your child’s success depends on practicing techniques at home. Expect to log bowel/bladder activity and complete assigned exercises daily.
- Collaboration with Other Professionals: If needed, we may refer your child to specialists such as occupational therapists, feeding therapists, counselors, GI specialists, or nutritionists to ensure comprehensive care.
- Open Communication is Vital: Keep an open line of communication with your physical therapist. Share any concerns, observations, or changes in your child’s habits so we can adjust their treatment plan as needed.
- Setting Realistic Expectations: Progress takes time, and small victories should be celebrated. A supportive and patient approach is key to long-term success.
Why Choose Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies?
At Hummingbird Pediatric Therapies, we take a collaborative, play-based approach to pelvic floor therapy. Our team of highly trained pediatric physical therapists works closely with families to create personalized, effective treatment plans that empower both children and parents.
- Specialized Pediatric Expertise: Our therapists understand the unique needs of children.
- Gentle, Non-Invasive Techniques: We use fun, age-appropriate methods to promote learning.
- Family-Centered Approach: Parents are key partners in the therapy process.
- Results-Driven Care: Our structured pelvic floor therapy process helps children build lifelong healthy habits.
Get the Right Support
If your child is experiencing bladder, bowel, or pelvic floor challenges, intervention is essential. With the right education, support, and commitment, your child can develop healthy, lifelong habits.