Introduction
Urinary and bowel incontinence can be challenging for both kids and their caregivers. As parents, it’s natural to be concerned about what is considered “normal.” In this guide, we’ll shed light on typical bathroom behaviors based on age and explore how paediatric pelvic floor physiotherapy can be a game-changer in addressing issues related to incontinence.
Normal Bathroom Frequencies:
Understanding typical bathroom habits for different age groups is crucial.
- By the age of 5, most kids achieve full bladder control with 4-7 pees a day.
- Nighttime waking for bathroom visits should decrease by this age, and dry nights usually follow within six months of gaining daytime bladder control.
- By 12 years old, children should average 4-6 pees per day
- Regular bowel movements should occur daily to every other day, with stool looking like long squishy snakes.
Feeling the need to go “RIGHT NOW” is normal until around age 5 or when a child achieves bladder control. If urgency persists, it may indicate overactive bladder muscles or difficulties recognizing early signals from their body.
How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Can Help:
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physical therapy tailored to children’s unique needs. At PlayWorks Physio, we focus on empowering kids to understand and control their bodies, ultimately restoring confidence in play.
Holistic Approach:
Our holistic approach addresses various factors contributing to incontinence, such as:
- Muscle Dysfunction: Pelvic floor physiotherapy assesses and corrects weak or overactive pelvic floor muscles to restore control.
- Posture and Alignment: We use engaging games to correct posture and alignment issues, promoting overall pelvic health.
- Coordination and Control: Tailored techniques help children coordinate muscles involved in bladder control based on their developmental stage.
- Behavior: For children with fears or challenges related to the toilet, we collaborate on problem-solving strategies for success.
Customized Treatment:
Treatment plans vary based on each child’s unique needs. Whether it’s working with neurodiverse children or addressing incontinence in elite teenage athletes, our team is dedicated to finding the best solutions for every situation. If your child is having pee or poop accidents outside of the ages listed above or if they are experiencing constipation, we can help. Also, if you have a child who experiences leaks throughout the day, especially with sports or higher impact activities, a pelvic floor physiotherapist can help. To learn more about physiotherapy for kids, click here.
Conclusion:
At PlayWorks Physio, we believe in providing comprehensive support to help children overcome incontinence challenges. Our paediatric pelvic floor physiotherapy aims to enhance the quality of life for kids, empowering them to embrace play with confidence. If you have concerns about leaks, urgency, or constipation, we’re here to help every step of the way. Click here to book a Pelvic Floor Initial Assessment.
Written By: Kate Heays
