Potty Problems

Understanding Childhood Constipation, Incontinence, ‘Accidents’ and More…

Bathroom habits and accidents for little ones can be tricky to navigate. Constipation, incontinence (daytime wetting), and bed-wetting (nocturnal enuresis) are more common than you might think, and they can cause a lot of stress for both kids and parents.

It can difficult to discuss some of these seemingly taboo topics like: “Is weeing in the bed still appropriate at this age?”, “why is my child still having poo accidents?” or “is it normal to wee a bit every time they cough, sneeze or laugh?”.

You're Not Alone! Common Challenges Parents Face:

• Figuring Out What's "Normal": It can be hard to know when a child's bathroom habits are cause for concern. Is occasional constipation normal, or something more? Is bed-wetting at a certain age still okay?

• Dealing with Accidents: Accidents happen, but frequent accidents can be frustrating and sometimes embarrassing, especially for older children.

• Addressing Emotional Issues: Wee or poo accidents can affect a child's self-esteem and confidence.

• Getting to the bottom of it: Maybe you have tried a few hacks, home-remedies, medications or sought the advice of medical practitioners already, all to no avail.

The Presentation:

There are some common issues that a parent or caregiver may notice in children who struggle with some of these issues:  

·      Hiding Dirty Linen: A child may hide poo-stained underwear, or urine-soaked bed sheets.

·      Duration of Toilet Time: perhaps the don’t sit for very long on the potty/toilet when making a poo, or maybe they sit for a long time before making a wee.

·      Avoiding Social or Sporting Events: Not wanting to go to sleep-overs, or avoiding partaking in sports that may cause accidents.

·      Toilet Habits in The Day: Not going to the toilet regularly in the day. Not using the toilet at school. Going days without making a poo.

·      Eating or Drinking in the Day: Coming home with a full water-bottle. Being a picky eater.

·      Poo or Wee Accidents: The child has poo-accidents, but doesn’t feel or notice it. They said they couldn’t get to the toilet in time.

How Physiotherapy Can Help:

You might be surprised to learn that a physiotherapist can play a significant role in addressing these issues. Here's how:

• Education and Guidance: Understanding how the bladder, bowel and pelvic floor works is an important first step to understanding the problem.

• Bowel and Bladder Retraining: Physiotherapists can help children learn good toileting habits, including how to sit on the toilet, posture and breath-work during bowel movements.

• Addressing the Pelvic Floor Muscles: Just like any other muscle, the pelvic floor muscles need contract and relax appropriately. A physiotherapist can teach your child exercises to co-ordinate these muscles to improve bladder and bowel control.

• Identifying Underlying Issues: Sometimes, constipation or incontinence can be related to other issues like muscle tightness, flexibility or coordination problems. A physiotherapist can identify and address these underlying causes.

• Creating a Supportive Environment: We understand the emotional challenges associated with these issues and work to create a safe and supportive environment for children and their families.

What to Expect During a Physiotherapy Session:

• A thorough subjective assessment of your child's bowel and bladder habits, including overall health, habits and early development.

• Education and discussions about the problems, whether functional, emotional or symptomatic.

• A personalized treatment plan that addresses your child's specific needs.

• Fun and engaging exercises that make therapy enjoyable for children.

• Ongoing support and guidance for both children and parents.

Taking the First Step:

“They will grow out of it” often isn’t the answer. Early intervention can make a big difference in helping your child overcome these challenges and regain their confidence.

These sometimes sensitive topics affect the whole family, and everybody’s feelings are valid! 

If you're concerned about your child's bowel or bladder habits, don't hesitate to reach out to a physiotherapist with experience in this area.

Remember you're not alone, you are not the first, and help is available! Together, we can help to support your family, regain some confidence and ease the burden of frustration.