Treatment of a child with daytime urinary incontinence

Area of Science:

• Pediatric physical therapy
• Urology
• Pelvic floor rehabilitation

Background:

• Case report detailing physical therapy for a child with daytime urinary incontinence.
• Consideration of the patient's age, emotional, and cognitive development in management.

Observation:

• An 8-year-old female presented with pelvic floor muscle hypertonus and dysfunctional voiding.
• Symptoms included frequent daytime urinary incontinence (4-8 leaks/day, 7 days/week) and increased voiding frequency (8-10 times/day).
• Intervention comprised age-appropriate education, biofeedback, behavioral modification, and specific exercises like "roll for control".

Findings:

• Significant improvement in voiding frequency by the third therapy session.
• Complete resolution of daytime urinary incontinence achieved by the eleventh therapy session.
• Demonstrated successful lower urinary tract rehabilitation.

Implications:

• Physical therapy is a viable treatment for pediatric urinary incontinence.
• A multimodal approach addressing physical, behavioral, and cognitive aspects is effective.
• Highlights the potential for successful outcomes in pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction.