Taking your child to see a paediatric continence physiotherapist can be a great option if they’re having trouble with daytime wetting or bedwetting. 

Paediatric physiotherapists can assist with incontinence or pelvic concerns, as well as developmental or neurological delays. 

Their services are open to toddlers and teens - but when should you consider taking your child to see one, and what can you expect at an appointment? Keep reading below to find out more!

When should you consider taking your child to see a continence physiotherapist?

Paediatric continence physiotherapists see children for a range of common pelvic issues, such as:

• Daytime wetting
• Faecal incontinence/soiling issues
• Combined bladder and bowel issues
• Nocturnal enuresis, or bedwetting
• Requiring the bathroom frequently during the day
• Pain when urinating or having a bowel movement
• Pelvic pain or discomfort, especially in teenage girls experiencing painful periods
• Constipation

Every child is different when it comes to reaching bladder and bowel control, but if your child is over 6 years old, hitting other developmental milestones, or feeling upset about the issue, it might be time to get some professional advice.

If your child has a condition like autism or cerebral palsy, that comes with sensory, cognitive, social, or movement challenges, toilet training might take a bit longer. A paediatric physiotherapist can be a great support to help guide them through this process.

The good news? You don’t need a GP referral to see a paediatric physiotherapist. That said, it’s always a good idea to touch base with your GP to rule out any underlying health issues first. It’s all about finding the right support to help your child along the way!

What is the first appointment with a paediatric continence physiotherapist like?

At your first appointment, the physiotherapist will likely ask about the issues that brought you in, as well as your child’s health and medical history—including their bladder and bowel habits.

They’ll also want to know what strategies you’ve tried at home and whether anything has worked so far. If your child is old enough to answer questions, encourage them to be open and honest about their symptoms, even if it feels a bit awkward. The more information they can share, the better the treatment outcomes will be.

The session might include a non-invasive, external physical assessment, and any findings or diagnoses will be explained to both you and your child. From there, the physiotherapist will create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your child’s needs. You might be asked to keep a bladder and bowel diary or be given some helpful resources to review before the next appointment.

If you have other children who need supervision, it’s a good idea to arrange for someone to look after them or have them wait with another adult in the waiting room to help keep the focus on your child during the session. It’ll make the appointment run more smoothly!

What kind of examinations do paediatric physiotherapists do?

During the first appointment, they might do a quick physical check, but don’t worry—it’s only external and completely non-invasive.

Internal exams aren’t done on kids.

If needed, they’ll use a real-time abdominal ultrasound to get a clear look at how the bladder, bowel, and muscles are working. It’s a simple and child-friendly way to gather information!

How long will an appointment run for?

The first appointment usually lasts about an hour, though this can vary between practices. If your child needs follow-up appointments, those are typically shorter, around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on their needs.

How much does it cost to take my child to a paediatric continence physiotherapist?

Appointments for paediatric physiotherapists can also vary depending on the practice you attend and the clinician you see. Call your practice of choice to find out their pricing.

What happens after my child's first appointment?

After the first appointment, the paediatric continence physiotherapist will review all the information they’ve gathered and come up with a management plan tailored to your child. This might include home physiotherapy exercises, working with your child’s doctor, or even referring you to other services if needed. 

They’ll also let you know if follow-up appointments are necessary and how many sessions might be expected before reassessing your child’s progress.

You might be given some “homework” to do before the next appointment, like keeping a bladder or bowel diary, reading through some helpful materials or trying some simple exercises.

We hope this helps clear up any questions or concerns you have about seeing a paediatric continence physiotherapist. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, feel free to chat with your GP or reach out to a physiotherapy clinic near you!