Pelvic Physical Therapy Program
At Children’s National Hospital, the Pelvic Physical Therapy (PT) Program provides children and adolescents with pelvic floor dysfunction the guidance and coaching they need to optimize functioning of the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles low in the pelvis that help support the structures that hold in urine and bowel movements until a person can go to the bathroom. The program offers a variety of strategies, exercises and therapies for children in our care.
Our Providers
Our pediatric specialists provide personalized care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional health needs.
Contact Information
For information about our program or to make an appointment, call 202-476-2656.
What services does Children’s National offer for pelvic floor physical therapy?
The Pelvic Physical Therapy Program is led by Emily Tower, PT, DPT, a pelvic floor physical therapist who has special training to help children and adolescents work with their pelvic floor muscles, as well as muscles in the stomach, hips and legs.
Our team collaborates with specialists in Colorectal & Pelvic Reconstruction, Gastroenterology, Gynecology and Urology to provide a full spectrum of care to your child. While your child may already see specialists in these other areas for conditions relating to constipation, emptying the bladder or urine and stool accidents, they can also benefit from physical therapy specific to their pelvic floor.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can look different for children and adolescents compared to adults. Our program offers:
- Coaching in the proper way to sit on a toilet, including postural and breathing techniques
- Exercises to stretch, stimulate and coordinate the muscles in and around the pelvic floor
- Play-based exercises for core strengthening and pelvic floor relaxation
- Biofeedback strategies to provide visual feedback on the pelvic floor muscles to improve awareness and coordination
- Electrostimulation, where electrodes are stuck to the hips and bottom and allow the therapist, child and parents to see how well the child is squeezing and relaxing their pelvic floor muscles (this is pain-free and not internal)
- Treatment plans for daily exercises (to be done at home), along with visits with the physical therapist
Please note: All pelvic floor physical therapy treatment plans at Children's National are external, and do not involve any internal examination or treatment.
What conditions can pelvic floor physical therapy help with?
Your child may benefit from pediatric pelvic floor physical therapy if they have any of the following:
Urinary Issues
Bowel Movement Issues
Gynecologic Issues
Other Medical Issues
Our Expert Team is Here to Help
Our Pelvic Physical Therapy Program works closely with the leaders of our Division of Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction, including world-renowned pediatric colorectal surgeon Marc Levitt, MD. Learn more about Dr. Levitt and how he has helped countless children.
Locations
Main Hospital
- Specialty Care
- Emergency Care
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