Pediatric Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy For Children
in East Cobb, minutes from downtown Marietta, Sandy Springs, and Roswell
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a problem that can affect both adults and children when the pelvic floor muscles are too weak, too tight, or contract suddenly on their own (spasm). In children, pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to embarrassing or inconvenient situations such as bedwetting or continuing to wear diapers when their peers are fully toilet trained. Pediatric pelvic floor physical therapy can be an effective treatment method for children of all ages who have varying degrees of pelvic floor dysfunction and accompanying symptoms such as incontinence and constipation.
At Integral Physical Therapy, we treat each child with a personalized approach to ensure they get the treatment they need for their specific condition. Dr. Lisa is the only pediatric specialist physical therapist in metro Atlanta with a pelvic health certification. Seeing a pediatric-trained physical therapist can make a world of difference, as we all know children are not simply small adults. Dr. Lisa has worked with children for 25 years and is highly regarded for her expertise. When bladder and bowel management problems are effectively addressed through pediatric pelvic floor physical therapy, children are often happier, can continue to develop appropriately, and truly enjoy their childhood experiences.
How Do You Know If Your Child Needs Pediatric Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?
Pediatric pelvic floor physical therapy may be recommended by your child’s pediatrician if your child exhibits any of the following:
- Urinary or bowel incontinence – unintentional peeing or pooping either during the day or at night (i.e. bedwetting)
- Urinary urgency – constantly feeling a strong urge to pee
- Urinary or fecal frequency – having to pee or poop more often than other children of similar age
- Urinary or fecal retention – unable to fully empty the bladder or bowels
- Underactive bowels or bladder
- Diarrhea or painful bowel movements
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
Some of these issues can mimic behavioral problems or other medical issues so a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the root cause and recommend the best treatment for each child.
Pediatric Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Evaluation
A physical therapist specifically trained in pelvic floor dysfunction will look at a variety of factors to determine what dysfunction exists, if any, and how it can be addressed.
Pediatric pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation includes:
- An assessment of your child’s symptoms
- A discussion about your child’s bladder and/or bowel habits and medical history
- An evaluation of your child’s pelvic floor muscles (note that a pediatric pelvic floor assessment is only external, not an internal assessment as may be performed for an adult patient)
- Assessment of your child’s core muscle strength and coordination
- Assessment of your child’s posture
- Assessment of your child’s overall strength, flexibility, and coordination
Based on the results of the evaluation, a comprehensive treatment plan will be determined to help improve pelvic health and restore optimal function.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy For Children in East Cobb, Marietta, Sandy Springs, and Roswell
Pediatric Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy treatment can include:
- Strengthening exercises for the core
- Stretching of tight muscles
- Re-education of core and pelvic floor muscle coordination
- Relaxation techniques for core and pelvic floor musculature
- Postural training for optimal muscle performance and development
- Bladder or bowel habit retraining
- Patient and family education about bladder and bowel function including lifestyle factors such as nutrition and exercise
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy For Children is Available in East Cobb, Marietta, Sandy Springs, and Roswell
If you are looking for a physical therapist that specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy treatments for children, Integral Physical Therapy can help! Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to set up a free 15-minute phone call to see if our practice is a good fit for you.
3535 Roswell Rd #36, Marietta, GA 30062
