Pelvic floor therapy/health isn’t just for adults—many children quietly struggle with pelvic floor issues. Here are five signs your child may benefit from pediatric pelvic health/floor occupational therapy:
Associated Symptoms In Children
1. Frequent Accidents or Leaks
Even after potty training, if your child continues to have daytime or nighttime leaks/accidents or urine or stool, it could be more than just behavior—it may be related to pelvic floor muscle function issues.
2. Constipation or Painful Bowel Movements
Chronic constipation can be a sign of pelvic floor dysfunction in your child. Pediatric pelvic health/floor OT can help retrain the body to improve coordination during bowel movements.
3. Urgency or Holding Behaviors
If your child avoids using the restroom, dances, crosses their legs, or holds their urine/bowel movements for long periods of time—these can be signs of pelvic floor dysfunction.
4. Abdominal or Pelvic Pain
Ongoing complaints of tummy aches or pelvic discomfort (without medical findings) may have a muscular and/or sensory component that pediatric pelvic floor/health OT can address.
5. Bedwetting Beyond Age 6
Occasional bedwetting is typical in children under the age of 5 who have been on the potty training/learning journey for less than 12 months—but if it continues beyond 5-6 years of age, pediatric pelvic health/floor OT can help address the underlying issues.
How Pediatric Pelvic Health/Floor OT Helps Children:
How Pediatric Pelvic Health/Floor OT Helps Children
- Teaches children to listen and take care of their bodies more independently
- Improves bowel/bladder routines in a variety of environments and contexts
- Strengthens coordination in pelvic floor muscles, and posture for optimal pelvic health
- Uses play-based methods to empower kids to partner with their body
If you’ve noticed any of these signs in your child, you’re not alone.
At Aloha Integrative Therapy, we use holistic and integrative compassionate, child-centered care to support pediatric pelvic health in a safe and encouraging environment.