Is your child struggling to “go”? Constipation is an extremely common condition in children, which can be associated with various factors, including anxiety, dietary habits, or a gastrointestinal disorder.
While constipation can be challenging for both you and your child, our Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy physical therapists can provide care plans to improve their condition. Our holistic approach is centered around your child’s mental, physical, and emotional needs with the goal of providing optimal care. Since constipation can be caused or worsened by both physical and psychological factors, a comprehensive approach is an essential part of the recovery process.
Call our team today to learn more and help your child find relief!
What is Constipation?
Technically, having fewer than three bowel movements a week is classified as constipation. However, bathroom habits vary from person to person. Some children may have a few bowel movements each day, while others have only one to two times a week. Our physical therapists can help you determine if your child has been experiencing constipation.
Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of constipation in children include:
- Less than three bowel movements a week
- Bowel movements that are difficult to pass
- Stools that are hard and dry
- Painful bowel movement
- Stomach pain
- Blood on the surface of hard stool
How We Treat Pediatric Constipation
We use several techniques to treat pediatric constipation, including:
Bowel education and retraining
During treatment, your child will learn bowel retraining, which is a behavioral program designed to improve their bowel disorder and establish or reestablish control. We will also educate you on how to manage your child’s constipation at home with specific strategies and exercises.
Manual therapy
With constipation, tight abdominal and pelvic girdle muscles may occur, contributing to the pain and strain. Manual (hands-on) therapy techniques help ease the tension and improve overall functionality.
Coordination Exercises
The pelvic floor muscles surround the anal openings and are essential in healthy bowel movements. Children with constipation are often unable to coordinate these muscles. We will teach your child exercises that can re-train these muscles to function as they should!
Breathing exercises
The diaphragm (the muscle that helps to control breathing) and pelvic floor muscles work together to facilitate pressure, relax anal sphincters, and open the pelvic floor muscles when a bowel movement occurs. Breathing exercises can help your child learn to breathe properly and avoid straining while attempting to have a bowel movement.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Your child deserves to have healthy bathroom habits! Our physical therapists can help improve your child’s bowel movements and provide them with the relief they deserve.
Call us today to book an appointment.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Symptom-Free!