As a pelvic floor therapist, I frequently encounter parents who are concerned about their child’s bedwetting. It’s important to know that bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, is common and affects many children, especially in the earlier years of life. However, when it continues past the age of 6, it can cause distress not just for the child, but also for the family. The good news is, pelvic floor therapy can play a significant role in helping both children and parents manage and overcome bedwetting.
What Causes Bedwetting?
Before diving into how pelvic floor therapy can help, it’s essential to understand the various factors that may contribute to bedwetting. Bedwetting is often a multifactorial issue, meaning that several causes could be at play. These include:
- Bladder Maturity: For some children, the bladder simply hasn’t developed enough to hold urine overnight. This often resolves on its own, but in the meantime, it can lead to nighttime accidents.
- Deep Sleepers: Some kids sleep so soundly that their brain doesn’t receive the signal that the bladder is full, making it difficult for them to wake up in time to use the bathroom.
- Constipation: Believe it or not, constipation is a significant factor in bedwetting. A full rectum can put pressure on the bladder, making it harder for the child to hold urine, especially during the night.
- Hormonal Factors: In some cases, children don’t produce enough antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which helps concentrate urine and reduce urine production at night.
- Genetics: If one or both parents experienced bedwetting as children, the chances are higher that their child will too.
- Stress and Anxiety: Changes in a child’s life, such as moving, starting school, or even family dynamics, can contribute to bedwetting.
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Helps with Bedwetting
Now, you may wonder how pelvic floor therapy fits into the picture. You might not immediately associate bedwetting with pelvic floor function, but the muscles in and around the bladder and pelvic region play a significant role in continence. Through pelvic floor therapy, we can address multiple aspects of a child’s body and behavior to improve bladder control.
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Awareness and Strengthening
The pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, and if these muscles are weak or uncoordinated, they can lead to difficulties with bladder control. In therapy, I often guide children through fun, child-appropriate exercises that target pelvic floor strengthening and coordination. These activities may include visualizations, games, or simple exercises like squeezing and relaxing the muscles, often referred to as “kegels,” but tailored specifically for children. As these muscles become stronger and more responsive, children may find it easier to hold urine through the night.
- Improving Bladder Sensitivity and Urgency Awareness
In some cases, children are not aware of the sensations that signal the need to urinate. Through pelvic floor therapy, we help kids better understand and identify the cues from their body. This might include keeping a bladder diary, where they record their trips to the bathroom during the day, helping them establish a stronger mind-body connection and recognize patterns.
Additionally, timed voiding schedules, where the child uses the restroom at specific intervals throughout the day, can help train the bladder to hold urine for more extended periods. Over time, this also helps reduce the likelihood of bedwetting.
- Addressing Constipation
Since constipation is such a common factor in bedwetting, it’s essential to address this as part of pelvic floor therapy. We often work on improving bowel health through dietary recommendations, hydration, and creating a bathroom routine. Children may also benefit from gentle exercises or abdominal massage techniques to help promote bowel regularity, reducing pressure on the bladder.
- Relaxation and Behavioral Strategies
Stress and anxiety are closely linked to bedwetting in some children. In pelvic floor therapy, we emphasize relaxation techniques that can calm the nervous system. Deep breathing exercises, mindfulness activities, and even yoga-inspired movements can help children feel more in control of their bodies. By addressing any anxiety around bedwetting, children may start to see improvements simply from a reduction in stress.
- Education for Parents
One of the key aspects of pelvic floor therapy is educating and supporting the parents. Dealing with bedwetting can be frustrating, and it’s easy to feel helpless or overwhelmed. I often reassure parents that bedwetting is common, not their child’s fault, and that with the right interventions, improvement is possible. We work together on strategies for nighttime management, such as bedwetting alarms, waking the child for bathroom trips, or using absorbent bedding to minimize stress and disruptions to the family’s routine.
It’s crucial to create a supportive and understanding environment at home, avoiding punishment or shame, as this can exacerbate the issue. Positive reinforcement for dry nights, or even for trying new strategies, can be more effective in helping a child feel motivated and encouraged.
Conclusion
Bedwetting is a challenge that many families face, but it doesn’t have to be a source of stress forever. Pelvic floor therapy offers a holistic approach that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of this condition. By strengthening pelvic muscles, improving bladder habits, addressing constipation, and managing stress, pelvic floor therapy provides children with the tools they need to gain control over their bladder. And just as importantly, it offers parents the support and guidance necessary to navigate this phase with confidence and compassion.
If bedwetting is an ongoing concern in your household, don’t hesitate to seek out a pelvic floor therapist who can help guide both you and your child through this process.
