The Hidden Link: How Constipation Affects Focus & Mood in Children
When a child is struggling with focus in the classroom or seems irritable at home, we often think of sleep schedules, screen time, or academic challenges. But as a pediatric pelvic floor physical therapist, I see another powerful—and often overlooked—factor: constipation. Constipation doesn’t just affect the body. It can impact how a child feels, behaves, and […]
Get Moving: How Physical Activity Supports Kids’ Health and Keeps Constipation Away
As a pediatric pelvic floor physical therapist, I see firsthand how closely linked movement and gut health really are. One of the most common complaints we treat in the clinic is constipation. It might surprise you to learn that it’s not just a dietary issue—lack of movement plays a major role, too. Constipation is one […]
The Link Between Constipation & Bedwetting
As a pediatric pelvic therapist, one of the most common and often overlooked links I encounter in my practice is the connection between constipation and pediatric bladder issues, including bedwetting (also known as nocturnal enuresis). Understanding this relationship is critical for both effective treatment and prevention, and it begins with understanding the anatomy and physiology […]
How to Encourage Fiber in Your Child’s Diet
By Erica Mitchell, PT, DPT Encouraging fiber in your child’s diet is a great step toward preventing constipation and promoting overall digestive health. Here are some child-friendly ways to incorporate fiber: Fruits and vegetables: Offer a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Berries, apples, oranges, bananas, carrots, broccoli, and sweet potatoes are excellent choices. You […]
Encouraging Water Intake in Kids
By Erica Mitchell, PT, DPT Dehydration can be a common problem in kids and slowing them down long enough to drink can be a challenge for parents. Keeping children hydrated is important to prevent constipation, UTIs, and kidney infections as well as keeping their body temperature regulated with activity. Children should generally drink half their […]
What’s Causing My Child to Wet the Bed?
By Erica Mitchell, PT, DPT Bedwetting, also known as nocturnal enuresis, is a common issue among children. It’s important to understand that bedwetting is typically not a sign of any serious medical or psychological problem, especially in younger children. Here are some points to consider: Common Causes: Developmental Factors: Some children’s bladders might take longer […]
Chronic Constipation in Kids and How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help By Erica Mitchell, PT, DPT
Chronic constipation is common in children, however the signs and solutions are less commonly discussed. Parents can notice difficulty with bowel movements from initial potty training to developing later on with a life change such as starting school or getting a new sibling. However it begins, it is crucial to identify the signs of constipation […]
Exercise to Help With Constipation
Experiencing constipation can be uncomfortable and frustrating, but did you know that exercise can be an effective way to relieve constipation? Physical activity helps to stimulate the muscles of the digestive system, improve bowel movements, and promote overall digestive health. In this blog post, we will explore how exercise can help decrease constipation and improve […]
Physical Therapy After Abdominoplasty
Plastic surgery is one of the most commonly done procedures in the United States, yet many do not take steps to ensure the best possible post-operative care. More than 15 million cosmetic surgery procedures are performed each year. Physical therapy after any kind of surgical procedure is a necessary step to help your healing. Here […]
Tips for Avoiding Constipation
Aside from being uncomfortable, constipation can also lead to more serious pelvic floor problems. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease defines constipation as having “fewer than three bowel movements a week, or hard, dry and small bowel movements that are painful or difficult to pass, or the feelings that not all […]