When Should You Consider Pelvic Floor Therapy for Your Kiddo?

As parents, we’re usually tuned in to our children’s needs - whether it’s a tummy ache, a growth spurt, or a rough day at school. But when it comes to bathroom habits, things can get a little tricky. Maybe your child is having accidents, seems to “go” too often - or not enough - or is constantly rushing to the toilet with urgency. You might wonder: Is this normal? Will they outgrow it?

In many cases, these are just part of the growing-up process. But sometimes, they’re signs that your child’s pelvic floor muscles - the group of muscles responsible for bladder and bowel control - might need a little extra support. That’s where pediatric pelvic floor therapy can help.

pediatric pelvic floor therapy

pediatric pelvic floor therapy

Here’s what to look for and when it might be time to seek help from a pelvic floor therapist for your kiddo:

1. Frequent Accidents (Daytime or Nighttime)

Children can experience bladder and/or bowel accidents! If your child is consistently wetting their pants during the day past the age of 4–5, or having nighttime accidents beyond age 7, it could be a sign that their pelvic floor muscles aren’t coordinating properly. Pelvic floor therapy can teach them how to better sense, control, and time their bathroom habits.

2. Constipation or Painful Poops

Struggling to go, holding in bowel movements, or experiencing pain during pooping are common reasons for referral to pelvic floor therapy. Constipation can put extra pressure on the bladder and confuse the muscles that manage both peeing and pooping. Therapists use kid-friendly tools and strategies to help kids learn how to relax and empty completely.

3. Rushing to the Bathroom (Urgency)

Does your child wait until the last minute, dash to the toilet, or dance around trying to “hold it”? That strong urge might be due to bladder overactivity, tight pelvic muscles, or habit-related patterns. Therapy can help slow things down and retrain their bladder-brain connection.

4. Unusual Bathroom Posture or Straining

Some kids develop habits like hovering over the toilet, crossing their legs to “hold it,” or straining to go. These positions can make peeing or pooping harder. A pelvic floor therapist can teach your child proper posture, relaxation techniques, and healthy bathroom routines.

5. Recurring UTIs or Incomplete Emptying

If your child gets frequent urinary tract infections or seems like they’re not fully emptying their bladder (e.g., they go, then feel like they have to go again 10 minutes later), pelvic floor issues may be involved. Therapy can help them learn to empty more fully and reduce infection risk.

So, What Is Pelvic Floor Therapy Like for Kids?

It’s gentle, respectful, and designed to be fun. No invasive exams - just education, games, biofeedback, breathing work, and movement strategies. Sessions are tailored to your child’s comfort level and developmental stage.

Trust Your Gut

If you feel like something’s not quite right with your child’s bathroom habits - and you’ve ruled out medical concerns - it’s important to seek help. Pediatric pelvic floor therapy can be life-changing for kids and families, bringing less stress, more confidence, and fewer bathroom struggles.

You're not alone and there's help available! You can search our directory of pelvic therapists at www.pelvicrehab.com and call to ensure they work with children.