Children's Continence

Children’s continence issues can be extremely common, especially in young children, and can be very distressing for not only the child, but the family too. To avoid impacting a child’s quality of life, particularly their self-esteem, behaviour, or performance at school, it is important to seek help sooner rather than later.

At The Pelvic Studio, we understand that these issues may be uncomfortable to talk about, therefore our approach to our appointments aims to ensure a positive and fun experience for the child.

When should you seek help from a children’s continence physiotherapist?

If your child is bothered by their continence, it’s affecting their quality of life, or they are suddenly wetting the bed when previously they weren’t, it’s a sign that physiotherapy intervention may be necessary. By the age of 5 years most children (90%) can control their bladder and bowels throughout the daytime. Night-time continence may take longer to achieve. It’s also important to seek early intervention if your child is regularly constipated.

**What symptoms do we see?**

-        Constipation
-        Day time leakage (bladder or bowels)
-        Bedtime wetting
-        Giggle incontinence
-        Toilet training delays or toileting refusal
-        Urinary frequency and/or urgency

What to expect at your first children’s continence appointment?

Prior to the appointment you will be sent a questionnaire to fill out that will help our physio understand the issues and concerns your child might be having.

We understand that incontinence (bladder or bowels) can be a stressful topic for many children, so we aim to make the appointment as stress free as possible for you both. We initially get to know your child and understand their story. We might ask about current symptoms, toileting history, developmental milestones, family and social life, hobbies or interests. During these discussions we encourage your child’s involvement depending on their comfort level.

A physical assessment might be performed, with the use of real time ultrasound, palpation around the abdomen/glutes area, core strengthening tests may be performed. No internal assessments are performed for children.

After a throughout assessment, a treatment plan will be developed by your physio in conjunction with you and your child. Depending on your child’s needs treatment options may include:

- Education for child and parents/caregiver

- Toileting plan + advice

- Pelvic floor muscles training or relaxation

- Improving defaecation muscle dynamics

- Bio feedback

- General muscle strengthening

- Liase with teachers or carers

- Referral to other health professionals if required