Does your child struggle with bed wetting or daytime accidents?
Every child is unique, as is their developmental schedule. Control of bowel and bladder is of no exception. While bedwetting or daytime accidents are a part of normal growth and development, any concerning or prolonged issues with control can be addressed by a specially trained pelvic floor therapist.
Bladder control is typically achieved by the age of 5. Children age 2-5 can have issues with nighttime wetting or occasional daytime accidents until their pelvic muscles and brain connections are better trained. Physical therapy is one way to improve both strength and control of the bladder to minimize or eliminate accidents.
Often times, constipation can be part of the problem impacting the bladder. Regular bowels are key to gaining bladder control in children. Each person has a unique definition of regularity, ranging from 1-3 times day to 1-3 times per week. Physical therapy can improve regularity of bowel movements and can thereby improve bladder control.
A personalized pediatric bowel and bladder control program can be developed to meet the needs of your child and family to best gain control. The plan often includes:
· Parent and child participation
· Dietary education and modifications
· Home program including exercises, behavior modifications, training program
· Visual feedback for “seeing” the right muscles work to control bowel and bladder
Often times, education is the key to unlocking success in the bathroom. Families may only need to be seen for a few sessions to make positive changes toward improving bowel and bladder control. ProActive is here to help your child THRIVE!
Dr. Amy Kimball has been treating pelvic floor dysfunction across the aging spectrum for more than 20 years. Amy’s interest in treating children began with a personal experience with bowel and bladder control in her own child. Convinced to make an impact in the life of her child to allow for sleepovers, wearing “big kid undees” and personal confidence.