Pediatric Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Helping Children Feel Confident, Comfortable, and In Control
At Jammin’ With James Therapy, we understand that bathroom accidents, constipation, painful bowel movements, bedwetting, urinary urgency, and pelvic pain can be frustrating—not only for children but for the entire family.
Pediatric Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy helps children learn how to properly coordinate the muscles involved in using the bathroom. Through fun, individualized, and evidence-based treatment, we help children develop the strength, coordination, body awareness, and healthy habits needed for successful bladder and bowel function.
Our goal isn’t just fewer accidents—we strive to improve confidence, independence, participation in school and activities, and overall quality of life.
What is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles located at the bottom of the pelvis. These muscles help support the bladder and bowel while working together to:
Sometimes these muscles become too tight, too weak, or simply don’t coordinate well with the rest of the body. When that happens, children may experience a variety of bladder and bowel challenges.
These muscles help:
Control urination
Control bowel movements
Relax completely when using the bathroom
Maintain continence
Support posture and core stability
Coordinate with breathing and movement
Conditions We Treat
Pediatric pelvic floor therapy may help children experiencing:
Bladder Concerns
Daytime urinary accidents • Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) • Frequent urination • Urinary urgency • Difficulty emptying the bladder • Holding urine for long periods • Recurrent urinary tract infections (when appropriate)
Bowel Concerns
Constipation • Stool withholding • Encopresis (fecal accidents) • Painful bowel movements • Difficulty passing stool • Chronic constipation despite medication • Fear or anxiety related to toileting
Other Concerns
Pelvic pain • Core weakness • Coordination difficulties affecting toileting • Delayed toilet training • Dysfunctional breathing patterns • Hypermobile children with pelvic floor dysfunction • Children with neurological diagnoses affecting bowel and bladder function
What Does Treatment Look Like?
Pelvic floor therapy for children is very different from adult pelvic floor therapy.
Treatment is completely individualized and focuses on helping children understand how their bodies work in a fun, engaging way.
We DO NOT routinely perform internal pelvic examinations on children.
Instead, we use observation, movement assessment, breathing assessment, posture analysis, muscle coordination testing, and child-friendly treatment techniques to address pelvic floor dysfunction.
Parents or caregivers are encouraged to participate throughout the therapy process.
Sessions may include:
Play-based exercises • Movement activities • Breathing exercises • Core strengthening • Posture training • Balance and coordination activities • Healthy toileting habits • Bladder and bowel education • Nutrition and hydration education • Relaxation techniques • Home exercise programs • Parent coaching and education
Our Whole-Body Approach
The pelvic floor doesn’t work alone.
Successful bladder and bowel function depends on many body systems working together.
We evaluate things like:
Core strength • Hip mobility • Posture • Balance • Walking and movement patterns • Breathing mechanics • Coordination • Sensory processing • Body awareness • Daily routines • Bathroom positioning
By treating the whole child—not just the symptoms—we help create lasting improvements.
Is Your Child a Good Candidate?
Your child may benefit from a pelvic floor evaluation if they:
Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need a referral?
Depending on your insurance plan, a physician referral may or may not be required. We’re happy to help you determine what’s needed before scheduling.
Is pediatric pelvic floor therapy invasive?
No. Pediatric pelvic floor therapy is gentle, child-centered, and non-invasive. Treatment focuses on movement, breathing, coordination, education, and healthy habits. Internal examinations are not routinely performed.
What age do you treat?
We work with children of all ages, from toddlers learning to use the potty through teenagers experiencing bladder, bowel, or pelvic floor concerns.
My child has constipation. Isn’t MiraLAX enough?
Medication can be an important part of treatment, but many children also need help learning how to coordinate their muscles, relax appropriately during bowel movements, establish healthy bathroom routines, and improve body awareness. Physical therapy addresses these underlying movement and coordination factors alongside your child’s medical care.
How long does therapy take?
Every child is different. Some children improve in just a few visits, while others with long-standing constipation or complex medical histories may benefit from several months of treatment. We’ll develop a personalized plan after your child’s evaluation.
Will my child have exercises to do at home?
Yes. Home activities are an important part of success. We provide realistic, family-friendly recommendations that fit into your daily routine.
Do parents stay during treatment?
Absolutely. Parents or caregivers are encouraged to attend sessions, ask questions, and learn strategies that can be used at home.
My child is embarrassed about accidents. Can therapy help?
Yes. Children often feel shame or frustration when dealing with accidents. Our sessions are supportive, encouraging, and completely judgment-free. We work to build confidence while helping children understand that these issues are common and treatable.
Can pelvic floor therapy help with bedwetting?
It can, depending on the cause. If poor bladder habits, pelvic floor muscle coordination, breathing patterns, or constipation are contributing factors, pelvic floor physical therapy may be an important part of your child’s treatment plan. We collaborate with your child’s medical provider to determine the most appropriate approach.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes! Many aspects of pediatric pelvic floor therapy—including parent education, toileting routines, exercise instruction, breathing techniques, and home program progression—can be effectively delivered through telehealth for families across Louisiana and Kansas, where licensure allows.
Ready to Get Started?
If your child is struggling with constipation, bathroom accidents, bedwetting, or other bladder and bowel concerns, we’re here to help.
Schedule a pediatric pelvic floor evaluation today and take the first step toward greater confidence, comfort, and independence.