Childhood bladder and/or bowel dysfunctions (CBBD) are common around the world. Children gain bladder control between ages 2-4, though urinary incontinence is common from ages 4-6. Most of the time, bladder control problems disappear as children get older, but there are cases when bladder issues persist.
Bladder Dysfunctions
Enuresis or bedwetting
Daytime urinary incontinence (DUI)
Urinary frequency and urgency
Successful potty-training, but still has accidents
Bowel Dysfunctions
Constipation
Fecal incontinence (FI)
Abdominal pain
Straining, pushing
Incomplete defecation
Causes of Pediatric Pelvic Floor Dysfunction:
Poor diet and fluid intake
Increased stress
Premature, difficult or conflict-filled toilet training-toilet refusal syndrome/toilet phobia
Social nervousness associated with using public toilets
Changes in the child’s life, such as dietary changes, toilet training, starting school or schedule changes
Emotional stressors, for example, the divorce of a parent or the birth of a sibling
How can PT help?
Parent and child education for bladder and bowel retraining
Gentle strengthening and stretching
Soft tissue massage to lengthen tight muscles
Tips for Home
Gentle stretching such as the butterfly stretch and pelvic floor squat stretch
Avoid junk food and processed foods, increase water and fiber intake
Gentle relaxation breathing
Yoga poses: child’s pose, down dog, happy baby
Timed voiding: urinate every 2 hours
Proper toileting postures with feet supported on a stool (like the Squatty Potty®)
