Barwon Kids Continence Clinic
At Barwon Kids, we specialise in supporting children and their families with continence challenges and pelvic health concerns. Our compassionate and experienced Physiotherapists are dedicated to helping your child achieve confidence and independence in a safe and friendly environment.
Our Pelvic Health/Continence Physiotherapist, Sarah, uses an evidence-based and child-centred approach to address a range of concerns, including:
Constipation and faecal impaction/loading
Faecal incontinence or soiling (encopresis)
Failure or difficulty toilet training for either bowel or bladder
Toilet refusal
Urinary incontinence (day wetting/wee accidents)
Urinary urgency and frequency
Recurrent urinary tract infections (due to dysfunction voiding)
Bedwetting
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Pain related to bladder, bowel and pelvic floor
Our Pelvic Health/Continence Physiotherapist, Sarah, offers highly skilled assessment using state of the art equipment to help determine underlying causes and contributing factors to your child’s condition. Click the link below for more information on how to prepare for an appointment.
We understand that your child’s continence journey is unique and there may be a number of contributing factors we need to consider. Not one child is the same and this is reflected in their individualised management plan.
A Paediatric Continence/Pelvic Health Physiotherapist plays an essential role in supporting children and their families facing continence challenges.
We take a holistic approach, aiming to empower kids to overcome their challenges, build confidence, and improve their quality of life through goal-centred care.
A treatment program may include:
Comprehensive education on your child’s condition, contributing factors & treatment pathways
Advice on laxatives (if applicable)
Personalised toileting programs
Teaching correct toileting posture and technique
Strengthening and/or relaxation exercises
Diaphragmatic breathing
Bedwetting alarm program
Neuromodulation (TENS or Interferential therapy)
Pelvic floor exercises
Collaboration is key! And Sarah works very closely with parents, carers, schools and other health professionals to provide quality and sensitive care to each child and their families.
What To Expect During a Continence Assessment
Physical Examination
This typically involves observation of posture, breathing mechanics, toileting position and bodily movements, as well as abdominal palpation (if appropriate).
Realtime Ultrasound
A transabdominal realtime ultrasound can be used to help visualise the bladder, rectum and pelvic floor muscles during an appointment. See the link below on how best to prepare for an appointment.
Uroflowmetry
Uroflowmetry is a test that measures the volume and flow rate of urine during a void (urination). This gives valuable information on the functioning of the bladder.
Need More Info?
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How to Prepare for an Appointment
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Healthy Bowel Habits
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Readiness for Toilet Training Checklist