I’M SO EXCITED TO INTRODUCE YOU TO DR. SAM, MY PARTNER THIS MONTH. SHE HAS A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE TO SHARE! HERE’S WHAT SHE HAS TO SAY ABOUT…

Bedwetting (aka Nocturnal Enuresis)

Many pediatricians set the age for childhood daytime and nighttime urinary continence (staying fully dry) to be at 4 years old. Past this benchmark, it is considered late bedwetting and there are not many options besides some medications, dehydration leading up to bedtime routine and “waiting it out.” Many preschools and daycares require full continence by the age of 3 or 3.5 to be enrolled. So often, children and parents become frustrated quickly.

As a physical therapist, I provide options to families to help treat bedwetting. I treat this issue with a multi-factorial approach. Through offering education on bowel and bladder health, mechanics and habits; teaching toileting postures and techniques, providing stretches and exercises, downtraining the nervous system and managing constipation; bedwetting improves and can be eliminated all together.

Pelvic health therapy treatments with kids look different than it does with adults. I take a non-invasive approach and put importance on decreasing anxiety and stress (by making conversation kid friendly and having some fun with exercises!) rather than increasing it. Undergarments stay on during the evaluation and treatment sessions and internal pelvic floor assessment is not performed on young children.

Constipation and bedwetting often occur simultaneously. When constipation is managed, bedwetting improves as well. How do you know if your child is constipated and what options do you have to manage it besides laxatives? Stay tuned for next week’s post!