Is Your Child Experiencing Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in the Birmingham, Alabama area?
At Magic City Physical Therapy, we have the only Pediatric Pelvic Floor program in the state of Alabama because we know kids need our help, too! We see children in the office as young as 4 years of age accompanied by a guardian. We offer coaching sessions with parents that have children younger than 4 years old. So, what are common diagnoses we treat in children?
Signs and Symptoms of Pediatric Pelvic Floor Dysfunction:
- Stress urinary incontinence (loss of urine with
sneezing/laughing/coughing/physical activity) - Bedwetting
- Urge incontinence (strong urge to urinate with the inability to make it to the
bathroom in time) - Urinary frequency
- Frequent bladder infections/UTIs
- Constipation and abdominal pain/gas/bloating
- Difficulty urinating or fully emptying bowels
- Bowel incontinence, fecal smearing, painful bowel movements
- Pelvic pain/muscle spasm
When a child experiences Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, it can have a large impact on different aspects of their life.
Issues with bowel and bladder function can disrupt daily school activities, social engagements, and sports participation. Both a parent and the child may experience disturbances in sleep due to nighttime leakage, necessitating clothing and sheet changes. Teens might steer clear of slumber parties or social events, fearing embarrassment if they experience leakage. A child might refrain from trying out for sports due to challenges in bowel and bladder control.
The pelvic floor, comprising muscles spanning the bottom of the pelvis, plays a crucial role in supporting internal organs and ensuring urinary and fecal continence. Dysfunction can arise when these muscles fail to function optimally, leading to various forms of dysfunction and physical symptoms such as spasms, weakness, or lack of coordination. Addressing these issues during childhood is crucial, as pelvic floor dysfunction can persist into adulthood, underscoring the importance of early attention.
Factors such as diet, posture, toileting habits, neurological conditions, emotional stress, etc can impact your child’s bladder and bowel function. Working with a pelvic floor physical therapist to connect the dots will improve function and in turn improve quality of life. We use a whole body approach to improve posture and biomechanics, optimize dietary habits, and educate to destress and demystify pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction.