Explore what pelvic floor dysfunction is in children, preteens and teens - and how our Charleston-based services can help.
Pediatric & Adolescent
Pelvic Health
Pediatric Care:
Pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction in this age group is treated with non-invasive techniques as a first line of treatment. Learning how the pelvic floor is involved and trained in children starts with education on anatomy and the child's own sensory system for peeing and pooping. We use pictures, books, models, playdough, potty schedules and charts to educate the parent and child on how their body is working.
Assessment of pelvic floor function in a child is examined through their movement as a whole, as well as specific palpation of muscles commonly affected with pelvic floor dysfunction. Our pediatric pelvic health PT, Dr, Kaleigh, observes patterns of muscular tension, weakness & coordination impairments through creative play. Palpation of common muscles include the abdominals, hamstrings, hips and glutes, feet and spine.
Treatment in pediatrics may look like:
Common symptoms/diagnoses we treat in this age group include:
Assessment of pelvic floor function in a child is examined through their movement as a whole, as well as specific palpation of muscles commonly affected with pelvic floor dysfunction. Our pediatric pelvic health PT, Dr, Kaleigh, observes patterns of muscular tension, weakness & coordination impairments through creative play. Palpation of common muscles include the abdominals, hamstrings, hips and glutes, feet and spine.
Treatment in pediatrics may look like:
- Playful (& functional!) strengthening
- Gross motor facilitation
- Balance training
- Breathwork re-coordination
- Postural re-education
- Flexible home programs
Common symptoms/diagnoses we treat in this age group include:
- Constipation - this may look like the child is withholding, says its painful and avoids bowel movements
- Encopresis - leaking of stool
- Enuresis/Bedwetting - especially if it is persisting after age 6
- Urinary leaks
- Potty Training Troubles - especially if it is persisting after age 4
- Unexplained pains
Dr. Kaleigh Mathis holds the highest level of pediatric pelvic health certification through Kids Bowel & Bladder Advanced Training. With this training, she does have the ability to perform internal assessments on children with complex bladder & bowel dysfunction. This will be thoroughly discussed with the child's caregiver and medical provider in these cases and treated as a last resort for resolution of complex bowel & bladder issues for children.
Ages 3-9
Adolescent Care:
ages 10-18
Pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction in this age group is also treated primarily with non-invasive techniques as a first line of treatment.
A few things we take into consideration with this age group:
Assessment of pelvic floor function is examined through movement, as well as more specific testing to look at the flexibility and strength of the spine, hips and abdomen. Soft tissue assessment is usually performed on the abdomen and Dr. Kaleigh may suggest external observation/assessment of the pelvic floor if appropriate.
Common symptoms/diagnoses we treat in this age group include:
A few things we take into consideration with this age group:
- If they have started their period
- If they have seen a GYN and received a prior pelvic exam/pap smear
- If they are sexually active
- If their symptoms determine an internal exam is appropriate with patient, parent and provider consent
Common symptoms/diagnoses we treat in this age group include:
- Vulvar pain/vulvodynia
- Groin pain
- Lower back or hip pains
- Constipation/Fecal leaks
- Painful bowel movements
- Urinary leaks
- Urinary frequency/urgency
- Vaginismus (unable to insert tampons or have pelvic exams)
- Painful insertion/wear of tampons and other menstrual products
- Painful periods
- Endometriosis
