Pelvic Floor (Incontinence) - Bathroom Issues

Supporting Healthy Pelvic Function for Children

Is your child struggling with bladder, bowel, or pelvic muscle issues? Pelvic floor dysfunction in children can lead to discomfort, accidents, and emotional stress. Whether your child is experiencing incontinence, constipation, or pelvic pain, specialized pediatric pelvic floor therapy can help.

At Twin Hearts Physical Therapy in Glenpool, OK, we offer gentle and effective pelvic floor therapy designed specifically for children. Our goal is to help kids develop healthy pelvic function, build confidence, and improve their quality of life.

Concerned about your child’s pelvic health?

What Is Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapy?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the bladder, intestines, and rectum while helping control bowel and bladder function. When these muscles are too weak, too tight, or uncoordinated, children may experience:

  • Urinary incontinence or frequent accidents

  • Constipation or difficulty passing stools

  • Pelvic pain or discomfort

  • Trouble fully emptying the bladder or bowels

  • Bedwetting beyond the typical age (6-7)

Pelvic floor therapy helps children regain control over these muscles through gentle, non-invasive techniques that promote healthy pelvic function.

Signs Your Child May Benefit from Pelvic Floor Therapy

If your child is experiencing any of the following issues, pelvic floor therapy may be beneficial:

  • Bedwetting after age 6 (nocturnal enuresis)

  • Frequent daytime accidents or urinary leakage

  • Difficulty with bowel movements or chronic constipation

  • Pelvic pain, discomfort, or straining

  • Difficulty sensing the urge to go or holding in urine/stool

  • Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) without an underlying cause

Early intervention with pediatric pelvic floor therapy can prevent these issues from worsening and support long-term healthy habits.

Signs Your Child May Benefit from Physical Therapy

Your child may need pediatric physical therapy if they are:

  • Not standing or pulling up by 12-14 months

  • Not attempting to walk by 16 months

  • Walking only on tiptoes or with stiff legs

  • Frequently falling or struggling with balance

  • Showing frustration with movement or avoiding walking

If you’ve noticed these signs, early intervention can make a big difference!

Common Causes of Delayed Walking

There are several reasons why a child might have difficulty walking:

1. Low Muscle Tone (Hypotonia)

  • Babies with low muscle tone may feel floppy when held and struggle to bear weight on their legs.

  • Strengthening exercises help improve stability and coordination.

2. Poor Balance & Coordination

  • Some children have difficulty with motor planning, making it hard to take stable steps.

  • Therapy helps with core stability, weight shifting, and postural control.

3. Torticollis or Plagiocephaly

  • Babies with tight neck muscles (torticollis) may struggle with proper head and body alignment, affecting mobility.

  • Early therapy improves posture, muscle balance, and movement patterns.

4. Prematurity or Developmental Delays

  • Preemies or children with developmental conditions (like cerebral palsy or spina bifida) may require targeted therapy to strengthen their lower body.

5. Toe Walking or Unsteady Gait

  • Some children walk on tiptoes due to tight calf muscles or sensory issues. While most kids will walk on tiptoes some, if this is the primary way they walk further evaluation may be needed.

  • Therapy addresses muscle flexibility and gait mechanics.

Does your child have any of these challenges? We can help!

Common Conditions We Treat with Pelvic Floor Therapy

  • Urinary Incontinence: Difficulty controlling bladder function, leading to daytime or nighttime accidents.

  • Constipation & Bowel Dysfunction: Chronic constipation, straining, and difficulty passing stools.

  • Pelvic Pain or Discomfort: Pain or pressure in the pelvic region, often related to muscle tightness or imbalance.

  • Bedwetting (Enuresis): Persistent bedwetting beyond the expected age, often linked to pelvic floor dysfunction.

  • Fecal Incontinence: Difficulty controlling bowel movements, leading to accidents.

  • Urinary Retention & Incomplete Emptying: Difficulty fully emptying the bladder, leading to frequent urges or infections.

Our therapists develop personalized treatment plans to address these conditions and promote optimal pelvic health.

How Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapy Helps

Improving Pelvic Function Through Gentle, Child-Friendly Techniques
 Our approach to pediatric pelvic floor therapy includes:

  • Pelvic Muscle Awareness & Relaxation: Teaching children how to recognize, relax, and strengthen pelvic floor muscles.

  • Biofeedback Training: Using visual or sensory feedback to help children improve muscle coordination.

  • Bladder & Bowel Retraining: Establishing healthy bathroom habits and routines to prevent accidents and discomfort.

  • Stretching & Mobility Exercises: Reducing muscle tightness and improving pelvic mobility.

  • Core Strengthening & Posture Improvement: Building overall strength to support pelvic function.

Our sessions are fun, engaging, and designed to make children feel comfortable while addressing their specific needs.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Pelvic Floor Therapy

At Twin Hearts PT, we tailor treatment plans based on your child’s unique challenges and goals. Our therapy approach includes:

  • Initial Assessment & Diagnosis – Identifying the underlying cause of pelvic floor dysfunction through a thorough evaluation.

  • Personalized Therapy Sessions – Developing individualized treatment plans focused on improving pelvic muscle coordination and function.

  • Parent & Child Education – Empowering families with knowledge and strategies to support progress at home.

  • Progress Monitoring & Adjustments – Tracking improvements and adjusting the therapy plan as needed to achieve long-term success.

  • Collaborative Care with Medical Providers – Working closely with pediatricians and specialists to ensure comprehensive care.

We create a supportive environment where children can feel safe and confident while working toward their pelvic health goals.

Why Choose Twin Hearts Physical Therapy for Pelvic Floor Treatment?

Families choose Twin Hearts PT for pelvic floor therapy because:

  • Specialized Pediatric Expertise: Our therapists have extensive training in pediatric pelvic floor therapy and understand the unique needs of children.

  • Compassionate & Child-Friendly Environment: We create a safe, welcoming space where children feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues.

  • Family-Centered Approach: We involve parents in the therapy process to ensure consistency and support at home.

  • Convenient Location & Flexible Scheduling: Serving families in Glenpool, Bixby, Tulsa, Jenks, Mounds, Kiefer, and surrounding areas.We believe in creating a nurturing environment where children can grow, explore, and succeed.

Our goal is to help every child achieve lasting improvements and greater confidence in their pelvic health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pelvic Floor Therapy

  • Pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial for children as young as 4 or 5 years old, depending on the specific concerns.

  • No, pediatric pelvic floor therapy is gentle, non-invasive, and designed to make children feel comfortable and safe.

  • The duration of therapy varies depending on the condition, but most children see improvements within 8-12 sessions.

  • While a referral may be helpful, many parents can schedule an evaluation directly with our clinic.

  • Our therapists provide parents with education and home exercises to reinforce the skills learned during therapy.

Schedule an Evaluation for Pelvic Floor Therapy Today!

If your child is experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction, Twin Hearts PT is here to help. Our expert pediatric therapists provide compassionate, effective care to restore pelvic health and confidence.