When we think of pelvic floor physiotherapy, we often picture pregnant women or older adults dealing with bladder issues. But children, too, can benefit from pelvic floor care—especially when they’re struggling with daytime urinary incontinence.

Incontinence in kids is often misunderstood. It’s not always behavioral or psychological. Sometimes, the issue is muscular or functional. That’s where pediatric pelvic floor physiotherapy comes in.

Here’s a real-life example of how an 8-year-old child overcame daytime incontinence with the right treatment and support.

The Problem: Daytime Leaks at Home Only

This child’s parents were frustrated and confused. At school, their child stayed dry all day. But at home, small leaks were happening several times a week.

An initial assessment ruled out medical concerns and found:

  • Habitual bladder holding

  • Difficulty relaxing the pelvic floor to urinate fully

  • Inconsistent voiding habits

  • No awareness of early bladder signals

In other words: the child was ignoring the urge to go, resulting in incomplete emptying and bladder leaks. This is a common cause of functional incontinence in school-age kids.

What Is Pediatric Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

Pediatric pelvic floor therapy focuses on retraining bladder and bowel habits, improving muscle coordination, and helping children build awareness of how their bodies function.

Physiotherapists who specialize in pediatrics create gentle, age-appropriate plans that involve:

  • Education for the child and family

  • Breathing techniques to help relax the pelvic floor

  • Bladder tracking

  • Voiding schedules

  • Postural adjustments for better elimination

  • Hydration support

Treatment: A Bladder Retraining Program

The 8-year-old was placed on a structured plan that included:

  • Scheduled voiding every 2–3 hours, even if there was no urge

  • Breathwork and pelvic floor relaxation to help release tension

  • A hydration plan to support proper bladder function

  • Encouragement and positive reinforcement to reduce anxiety around accidents

The plan was simple, consistent, and family-supported.

Results After Eight Weeks

Within two months:

  • Daytime leaks completely resolved

  • The child developed a clear understanding of bladder signals

  • Confidence and self-esteem improved significantly

  • Family stress around accidents disappeared

The success came from treating the issue holistically—as a body-based concern, not just a behavioral one.

When to Consider Pelvic Floor Physio for Your Child

Children often outgrow accidents—but when incontinence continues past ages 5-7 or disrupts daily life, professional assessment is essential.

Signs your child may benefit:

  • Leaks during the day

  • Fear or anxiety about using the toilet

  • Constipation or withholding

  • Frequent urinary urgency or rushing to the toilet

  • Nighttime wetting that hasn’t improved

Pelvic floor dysfunction can often be gently resolved with education, consistency, and the right tools.

Conclusion

Kids deserve to feel in control of their bodies. When accidents happen, it’s not a failure—it’s a sign their bodies need help. Pediatric pelvic floor physiotherapy can address the root cause of incontinence in a safe, supportive, and effective way.

If your child is struggling with urinary leaks, don’t wait. Early intervention is key, and the results can be life-changing.

Reach out to a pelvic floor physiotherapist trained in pediatrics to learn more about how therapy can help your child stay dry, confident, and in control.