Helping Children Develop Healthy Bladder and Bowel Habits
Bladder and bowel concerns are among the most common health issues affecting children and can have a significant impact on confidence, participation in activities, school experiences, and overall well-being.
Many families feel frustrated when accidents, constipation, or toileting difficulties continue despite their best efforts. The good news is that many of these concerns can improve with appropriate assessment, education, and treatment.
At Belleville Integrative Health Centre, Angela Lagerlof provides specialized pediatric pelvic health physiotherapy using a supportive, family-centred approach. Our goal is to help children develop healthy bladder and bowel habits while empowering families with practical tools and strategies to support long-term success.
We proudly serve children and families throughout Belleville, Quinte West, Prince Edward County, Napanee, Tweed, Madoc, Bancroft, Stirling-Rawdon, Deseronto, and surrounding communities.
Pediatric pelvic health physiotherapy focuses on the assessment and treatment of bladder and bowel concerns in children.
Children’s symptoms are often influenced by multiple factors including:
Treatment focuses on identifying contributing factors and developing age-appropriate strategies that support healthy bladder and bowel function.
Constipation
Constipation is one of the most common reasons children are referred for pelvic health physiotherapy.
Symptoms may include:
Constipation can affect bladder function, increase urinary accidents, and contribute to stool leakage.
Treatment focuses on improving bowel habits, toileting routines, positioning, breathing mechanics, and overall bowel function.
Stool Withholding
Some children avoid using the toilet due to previous painful bowel movements or anxiety related to toileting.
Over time, stool withholding can contribute to:
Encopresis (Fecal Accidents)
Encopresis refers to the involuntary leakage of stool, often associated with chronic constipation and stool retention.
Many children experiencing fecal accidents feel embarrassed or frustrated.
Treatment focuses on:
Bedwetting
Bedwetting is common in childhood and can affect self-esteem and confidence.
While many children eventually outgrow bedwetting, physiotherapy can help identify contributing factors and support healthy bladder function.
Assessment may include:
Daytime Urinary Accidents
Children experiencing daytime accidents may struggle with:
Treatment focuses on helping children develop healthy bladder habits while reducing accidents and improving confidence.
Dysfunctional Voiding
Some children have difficulty relaxing and coordinating the muscles required for bladder emptying.
Symptoms may include:
Pelvic health physiotherapy can help improve coordination and bladder function.
Successful treatment involves both children and caregivers.
We work closely with families to understand the child’s challenges, routines, and goals while providing practical strategies that fit within everyday life.
Our approach focuses on:
✓ Education
✓ Positive reinforcement
✓ Age-appropriate treatment strategies
✓ Family involvement
✓ Long-term success
We recognize that every child is unique, and treatment plans are tailored accordingly.
Your child’s assessment begins with a detailed discussion of:
Assessment may also include:
Treatment is designed to be supportive, educational, and child-friendly.
Does my child need an internal examination?
No. Internal examinations are not part of routine pediatric pelvic health physiotherapy care.
Assessment focuses on external evaluation, education, movement, breathing, and bladder and bowel habits.
What age can children attend pelvic health physiotherapy?
Children of various ages may benefit from pelvic health physiotherapy depending on their symptoms and concerns.
If you are unsure whether your child is appropriate for treatment, our team would be happy to discuss your concerns.
How involved do parents need to be?
Parental involvement is a key component of successful treatment.
Caregivers play an important role in supporting routines, exercises, and strategies at home.
How many visits will my child need?
Every child is different.
The number of visits depends on:
Bladder and bowel concerns can affect confidence, school participation, social activities, and family life.
At Belleville Integrative Health Centre, we are committed to helping children and families develop healthy habits, improve function, and achieve long-term success.
Book a pediatric pelvic health physiotherapy assessment today and take the first step toward improving your child’s bladder and bowel health.
