Pediatric Toilet Avoidance: When It’s More Than Just Behavior
Few parenting challenges are as frustrating—or as misunderstood—as toilet avoidance. Many parents find themselves saying things like: “He knows how to use the toilet, but refuses.” “She waits until the last second and has accidents.” “He’ll hold his poop for days.” “She says she doesn’t feel when she has to go.” It’s easy to assume […]
What’s Normal for Pediatric Bladder Health? A Guide for Parents from a Pediatric Pelvic Floor PT
As a pediatric pelvic floor physical therapist, one of the most common concerns I hear from parents is: “Is this normal?” Whether it’s related to daytime accidents, frequent urination, bedwetting, or bathroom habits, navigating bladder health in children can feel confusing and even overwhelming. The good news? There are well-established norms we can use as a guide—and […]
A Journey to Dry Days: Successful Pediatric Pelvic Therapy for a 6-Year-Old Girl with Encopresis and Incontinence
When six-year-old “Emma” (name changed for privacy) first came to our clinic, she was struggling with a trio of distressing symptoms: encopresis (fecal incontinence), daytime urinary incontinence, and nighttime bedwetting (enuresis). Her parents were overwhelmed, unsure of how to support her, and Emma herself was growing more withdrawn and anxious. She avoided playdates, was hesitant […]
Understanding Stress Urinary Incontinence in Children: How Pediatric PT Differs From Adult Care
As a pediatric pelvic floor physical therapist, one of the more surprising and often misunderstood conditions I treat is stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in children. While most people associate SUI with adults—especially postpartum women or older individuals—it’s important to know that kids can experience it too. And although there are similarities in how we approach treatment for […]
The Link Between Toilet Training and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
As a pediatric pelvic floor physical therapist, I often meet families who are doing everything they can to support their child’s health and development—but still find themselves facing frustrating challenges like constipation, accidents, or bathroom anxiety. Toilet training is a big milestone, and every child’s journey is unique. What’s less commonly discussed is how early […]
Intensive Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapy: Why More Frequent Visits Can Help
When a child is struggling with bowel or bladder dysfunction—whether it’s chronic constipation, encopresis (fecal leakage), enuresis (bedwetting), or urinary incontinence—the path to improvement often feels daunting for both the child and their caregivers. Understandably, families want to see results quickly, and many are surprised to learn that a more intensive schedule—such as two to […]