How to Manage Constipation in Children
Did you know that about 9-12% of children experience functional constipation?
Functional constipation is defined as constipation that occurs without an underlying medical cause. Children with functional constipation will withhold stool due to various reasons, including:
fear of having a bowel movement
pain with bowel movements
fear of the toilet
decreased abdominal strength
decreased body awareness and interoception
poor diet and water intake
anxiety or stress
Why is Constipation an Issue?
Constipation is a prevalent concern among children, often leading to discomfort and other complications if not addressed promptly. Here's why constipation can become a significant issue:
The Cycle of Withholding: When children regularly withhold stool, it remains in the rectum, losing water over time and becoming hard. Then when the child tries to have a bowel movement, this hard stool can cause pain or difficulty passing the large stool, leading to more fear and apprehension about future bowel movements. This cycle of withholding can perpetuate the problem, making constipation a persistent issue.
Impact on the Rectum: As the stool remains in the rectum, the rectum becomes enlarged and starts losing sensation. As the rectum becomes distended, this can diminish the signals sent to the brain to initiate a bowel movement, thus reducing the child’s natural urge to poop. This can create a vicious cycle of constipation, as the child becomes less aware of the need to relieve themselves.
Effects on Pelvic Floor Muscles: The constant retention of stool can also affect the pelvic floor muscles, causing them to become weak or overly tight.
Recognizing Constipation Symptoms
Be on the lookout for these physical symptoms of constipation in your child:
Abdominal pain and bloating
Large stools that clog the toilet
Small pebble-like stools
Urinary urgency and frequency
Urine or fecal leakage
Pelvic pain
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help
Pelvic floor physical therapy can be a crucial solution for many children suffering from constipation.
At the first appointment, a pelvic floor physical therapist will perform an assessment of your child’s pelvic floor muscles externally, to see if they are working properly and coordinating well.
The therapist will then educate you and your child on healthy bowel and bladder habits. They will also provide you with a individualized treatment plan that may include a combination of:
Education on proper toileting posture and timing
Exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles for effective bowel movements
Body awareness tips to better recognize the urge to defecate
Diaphragmatic breathing exercises to relax the pelvic floor muscles
Abdominal massage to enhance motility and reduce abdominal wall restrictions
Constipation is a multifaceted issue, and we understand the importance of working with your pediatrician, pediatric gastroenterologist, and mental health therapist to provide the best care possible.
Help your child break the cycle of constipation with the support of pelvic floor physical therapy.
Contact us to learn more!
