Bladder and bowel issues are common amongst children of all ages. Physiotherapy sits within the multidisciplinary team, including consultant paediatricians and specialist nurses/school nurses.
Physiotherapists are ideally placed to help children regain control of their bladder and bowels through empathetic communication, a knowledge of how these body systems work and also an in depth knowledge of the pelvic floor muscles.
Assessment may include completing a bladder diary, or a bladder scan. We do not routinely do intimate examinations in children.
Constipation
Most children’s bladder problems are caused by constipation. Constipation isn’t always not going often enough but can mean the poo is hard, difficult to pass or requires straining. Passing a large amount of poo can also indicate constipation.
What can you do?
- Read some tips to help relieve constipation.
- Read NHS Fife Constipation leaflet
- Watch this Toilet Positioning video to see how sitting properly on the toilet can help.
Good bladder habits
There are lots of things you can try to improve the way your bladder behaves.
What can you do?
- Fill in a bladder diary to record information about your drinking and bladder habits
- Read the NHS Fife Daytime Wetting in Children and Young People leaflet
- Look at paediatric resources such as ERIC website and Bladder and Bowel UK
- Watch the How Does Your Bladder Normally Work video. Although it mentions Spina Bifida the information is still the same for all bladders
Pelvic Floor Exercises
These can sometimes help to improve the muscles that control the bladder and bowel.
What can you do?
- Watch these Pelvic Health Information videos and also NHS Highland pelvic floor exercises for teenagers
