What is Pediatric Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Yes! You read that right, pelvic floor physical therapy for PEDIATRICS. 

So what is pelvic floor physical therapy for littles and what does it treat? What does it look like? The most common questions about pediatric pelvic floor physical therapy answered below!

How can pediatric pelvic floor physical therapy help my child?

If you have a child that is experiencing:

• Constipation issues

• Bedwetting

• Urine leakage with laughing or playing

• Fecal smearing or leaking

Pelvic floor physical therapy can help! We find that a lot of pelvic floor conditions can start from childhood, so establishing good habits early on can not only help your child now with these issues, but also reduce the chance they have pelvic floor issues as they get older!

What does a pelvic floor physical therapy session look like? 

Although child anatomy is the same as an adult, we treat children differently! Instead of established “exercises” with sets and reps, we use games and fun activities to address the issues we feel are contributing to the symptoms.  There is also a large educational component on diet and lifestyle that can have a huge impact as well as help children understand their body and how/what they are feeling. As with adults we are taking a look at how the whole body is moving with consideration of the developmental nature of childhood. 

What about a pelvic floor exam? What does that look like for a child?

We will NEVER do an internal exam on a child.  In most cases, treatment can be done without having to do even an external exam. In some cases, if we feel it is necessary, we will guide the parents in what to look for.  

Please reach out to us here with any questions you have or want to discuss if pediatric pelvic floor physical therapy is right for your child!

By Dr. Katie Ihlenfeldt PT, DPT