Dysfunctional Voiding Syndrome

Dysfunctional voiding often begins as “overactive bladder” or excessive urges to urinate. Children then develop a learned behavior to hold urine as the bladder contracts. This then leads to inability to fully empty the bladder during voiding. When urine is retained in the bladder, this can prompt a number of issues such as frequent UTIs, leakage of urine during activity or sport, or nighttime wetting. Additionally, children with dysfunctional voiding may develop urinary frequency due to inaccurate sensations and signals to the brain causing the children to void too often.

RISK FACTORS:

• Constipation or bowel trouble
• Significant life event (new baby, new school, new home, divorce)
• Increased body mass
• Poor dietary intake
• Learning disability

HOW CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP?

• Behavioral retraining strategies
• Bladder irritant education
• Biofeedback to bring sensory awareness to pelvic floor
• Neuromuscular retraining
• Specific targeted exercises