Pediatric Pelvic Physiotherapy FAQs

What does a pediatric pelvic physiotherapist treat?

At Maud Medical, we offer pediatric pelvic physiotherapy services for children aged 4-17. Pediatric pelvic physiotherapist treat urinary and fecal incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, bedwetting, pelvic pain, constipation, and neurologically driven conditions that impact the pelvis, to name a few!

Can constipation cause bladder problems?

Yes! A full bowel puts pressure on the bladder and this can cause urinary incontinence and bowel incontinence in children, as well as urgency.

Does constipation in children look the same as it does in adults?

No! Children are not little adults and as such, their body systems are treated differently. Children can have what appear to be regular bowel movements and still be constipated.

What are some of the leading causes of functional constipation in children?

About 1 in 10 children struggle with childhood constipation. Some factors that can lead to constipation are not drinking enough water, not getting enough exercise, eating too much high fat or sugar and not eating enough fruit or vegetables. We recommend 5-7 servings of fruits/vegetables a day!

How much fiber does my child need?

Up until the age of 10, we recommend their age + 5 grams. For example, if your child is 4 years old, we recommend at least 9 grams of fibre per day. Once they are 10 years old we recommend 25-35 grams per day, the same as an adult population.

How does the pelvic floor relate to incontinence?

The pelvic floor muscles can become tight or weak (or both!) secondary to constipation and prolonged stress in the pelvis.

A tight pelvic floor doesn't always relax for bowel movements and urination and this can cause retention and infections.

A weak pelvic floor struggles to hold in urine or feces during regular activity. Rehabilitating these muscles will help with control of the bladder and bowel.