Pediatric pelvic floor issues can significantly impact a child’s quality of life — affecting everything from confidence and comfort to participation in daily activities. Common symptoms include:

  • Urinary or fecal incontinence
  • Constipation
  • Pelvic or abdominal pain
  • Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels


At Body Co Toronto, our team of pediatric pelvic floor physiotherapists offers gentle, non-invasive, and child-friendly care to help children and families understand and overcome these challenges.


In this post, we’ll explain what you can expect from a pediatric pelvic floor physiotherapy assessment — and how it helps children regain control, confidence, and comfort.


What Is Pediatric Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?


Pediatric pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on identifying and treating muscle coordination, tension, and strength issues within the pelvic region that may interfere with bowel or bladder function.


Unlike adult assessments, pediatric pelvic floor therapy is entirely external. No internal examination is ever performed. Instead, we use gentle observation, discussion, and movement-based assessments to understand how your child’s body is functioning.


Components of a Non-Internal Pediatric Pelvic Floor Assessment


1. Comprehensive History and Symptom Review


Your child’s assessment begins with a detailed discussion of their medical history and current symptoms.

We’ll explore:


  • When symptoms began
  • How often they occur
  • What triggers or relieves them
  • Diet, hydration, and toileting patterns


This information helps your therapist identify root causes and create a treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs.


2. External Physical Examination


Next, your physiotherapist may gently assess your child’s posture, gait, and range of motion. We look for:


  • Signs of muscle tension or weakness
  • Core or hip imbalances
  • Breathing mechanics that may impact pelvic function


This external approach ensures comfort while providing valuable insights into how the body supports pelvic floor control.


3. Functional Movement Assessment


Through simple, playful movements — such as squatting, walking, jumping, or balancing — we evaluate how your child’s muscles work together.


  • This helps us understand:
  • How effectively your child engages their core and pelvic stability muscles
  • Whether there are compensations or coordination challenges
  • How posture or movement habits might contribute to pelvic floor symptoms


4. Bladder and Bowel Diary


A bladder and bowel diary is a key tool in pediatric pelvic floor care. Tracking fluid intake, toileting frequency, and bowel patterns gives families and therapists clear data to guide treatment.


This simple log can uncover patterns like:


  • Infrequent toileting
  • Constipation triggers
  • Insufficient hydration
  • Dietary contributors to bowel or bladder dysfunction


5. Lifestyle and Daily Habits Review


Children’s routines, school environments, and emotional well-being all play a role in pelvic health.

Your physiotherapist will discuss:


  • Toileting posture and privacy
  • Daily movement and activity levels
  • Stress, anxiety, or behavioural patterns that may influence symptoms


You’ll receive practical recommendations for healthy habits, ergonomic adjustments, and relaxation techniques to support recovery at home.


Developing a Personalized Treatment Plan


Every treatment plan is tailored to your child’s comfort and developmental stage. Therapy may include:


  • Breathing exercises to support relaxation and core connection
  • Gentle core and pelvic floor activation (if appropriate)
  • Tension reduction strategies such as stretching, mindfulness, or child-friendly yoga
  • Education for caregivers and children on optimal toileting posture and routines


With a combination of evidence-based exercises and supportive guidance, most children experience improved control, reduced discomfort, and better confidence in daily activities.


Why Early Intervention Matters


Pelvic floor dysfunction in children is more common than many parents realize — and early assessment can make a world of difference.


When addressed early, children can:


  • Avoid chronic constipation or incontinence
  • Reduce anxiety or embarrassment related to toileting
  • Improve body awareness and coordination
  • Build lifelong healthy habits


Supporting Your Child’s Pelvic Health at Body Co Toronto


At Body Co Health & Wellness in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood, our pediatric pelvic floor physiotherapists specialize in compassionate, evidence-based care designed to help children and families thrive.


If your child is struggling with bladder or bowel challenges, pain, or toileting difficulties, we’re here to help.


👉 Book a Pediatric Pelvic Floor Assessment today.


Learn more about our integrative pediatric services at bodycotoronto.com

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Nicole Newediuk, Pediatric, Pelvic Floor & Orthopaedic Physiotherapist 

Nicole is not just a healthcare provider; she is a partner in her clients' journeys to improved 

health and well-being, combining her knowledge, compassion, and diverse skill set to make a 

positive impact.


A dedicated and compassionate physiotherapist with a passion for lifelong learning 

and a deep curiosity of the human body, Nicole stays at the forefront of the latest 

advancements in physiotherapy, ensuring that her clients receive the most effective and 

evidence-based care. 


Nicole’s previous professional experience and training equips her with the expertise to 

effectively address a diverse range of orthopaedic, pelvic and pediatric conditions. Nicole is one of only a handful of pediatric pelvic floor physiotherapists in the GTA which makes her uniquely experienced to address conditions including childhood daytime and/or nighttime continence challenges, gross motor development delays (crawling, walking, rolling, poor tummy time tolerance) and torticollis.


Nicole creates a supportive atmosphere where clients feel heard. Whether guiding expectant 

mothers through the challenges of pregnancy, aiding in postpartum recovery, getting clients back

to running or working with pediatric clients, she tailors her treatments to meet the unique needs 

of each individual. 


If you would or a family member would like to work with Nicole, you can schedule an initial assessment here.