Explore how our Charleston-based team helps children, teens and their families resolve pelvic floor dysfunction.
Pediatric & Adolescent Pelvic Health
Pediatric Pelvic Health:
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, visual examination of muscle with parent consent/presence, and through biofeedback. Biofeedback is placed externally at pelvic floor muscle insertion sites and we can assess their pelvic floor muscle movement and tone.
Assessment of pelvic floor function in a child is examined through their movement as a whole, visual examination of muscle with parent consent/presence, and through biofeedback. Biofeedback is placed externally at pelvic floor muscle insertion sites and we can assess their pelvic floor muscle movement and tone.
Ages 3-10
Adolescent Pelvic Health:
ages 11-17
Pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction in this age group is also treated primarily with non-invasive techniques as a first line of treatment.
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. External visualization of muscle with parent consent/presence as well as biofeedback is used for adolescent assessment of pelvic floor muscle tension. Depending upon severity of symptoms and medical collaboration, an internal exam may be discussed.
Common symptoms/diagnoses we treat in this age group include:
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. External visualization of muscle with parent consent/presence as well as biofeedback is used for adolescent assessment of pelvic floor muscle tension. Depending upon severity of symptoms and medical collaboration, an internal exam may be discussed.
Common symptoms/diagnoses we treat in this age group include:
- Constipation: this may be new or ongoing from childhood that is not improving
- Encopresis: leaking of stool
- Urinary leaking: leaking of urine of any amount, may occur with exercise or exertion
- Urinary urgency/frequency: using the restroom frequently or urgently, more than 6 times per day
- Painful periods: with or without an endometriosis diagnosis
- Endometriosis: may be suspected or they may have painful periods, painful bowel movements/constipation and urinary urgency
- Vaginismus: inability to wear a tampon due to pain
- Genital pain/discomfort: pain at the vulva/vagina for girls, pain at the penis/scrotum for boys
- Generalized pain in lower back or hips: pain in these areas that are affecting children enjoying sports, school and/or social activities
Common Pelvic Floor Problems we treat in this age group:
- Constipation: this may be observed through the child withholding stool, avoidance of using the bathroom and saying it hurts
- Encopresis: leaking of stool
- Enuresis/Bedwetting: this begins to become problematic when it persists beyond age 6
- Urinary leaks: leaks may occur with exercise, movement or at random if the child cannot make it to the bathroom
- Pain: your child may complain of tummy aches, back aches, or other pains that are "unexplained" through medical testing and imaging
