Bowel and Bladder Treatment for Infants
Presented by Carina Siracusa
Infant bowel and bladder health is a critical yet often overlooked component of pediatric clinical practice, particularly within early intervention and neurological rehabilitation settings. This course addresses the significant practice gap regarding specialized treatment for infants under 12 months of age experiencing pelvic floor or diaphragmatic dysfunction. Practitioners will explore the unique physiological differences between infant micturition and defecation and those of older children, including the discoordination of the detrusor-sphincter complex. The curriculum provides a framework for creating structured screening algorithms and interdisciplinary treatment programs that utilize gross motor handling, core stabilization, and parental education. By integrating evidence-based behavioral advice and manual techniques such as abdominal massage, clinicians can prevent long-term complications and support optimal pelvic health in both typically developing and neurologically involved populations.
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate common bowel and bladder dysfunction experienced in both typically developing and neurologically involved infants
- Critique how infant pelvic floor and diaphragm dysfunction differs from older children
- Formulate an evaluation and screening algorithm for identifying bowel and bladder issues in infants
- Design a treatment program for infants with bowel and bladder dysfunction impacting areas of occupation, such as toileting, feeding, and health management
- Facilitate interdisciplinary treatment opportunities for this population within early intervention
Meet your instructor
Carina Siracusa
Dr. Carina Siracusa has been a practicing physical therapist since she graduated from Ohio University with her doctorate in physical therapy in 2005. She has practiced in the areas of pediatric, neurologic, oncologic, and pelvic floor physical therapy in her tenure as a physical therapist. She is an assistant professor at…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Introduction to Infant Bladder and Bowel Physiology
Learners will examine the foundational anatomy and physiology of the infant pelvic floor and diaphragm to understand how voiding patterns evolve during early development. This chapter highlights the critical milestones and neurological factors that influence micturition and defecation before a child reaches traditional toilet-training age.
2. Evaluation and Screening
This chapter provides clinicians with objective measures and subjective interview strategies to accurately screen for bowel and bladder issues in infants. Emphasis is placed on observing gross motor milestones and assessing for conditions like diastasis recti to identify physical contributors to pelvic dysfunction.
3. Treatment and Interdisciplinary Management
Practitioners will learn to develop comprehensive treatment plans that emphasize gross motor handling, core stabilization, and collaborative care with occupational and speech therapists. The session covers practical interventions, including abdominal massage and positioning strategies, as well as essential parental education to ensure consistent home management.
More courses in this series
Bowel and Bladder Treatment for Infants
Carina Siracusa
Bowel and Bladder Treatment for Older Children
Carina Siracusa
Pelvic Floor Therapy in the Patient With CVA or MS
Carina Siracusa
Pelvic Floor Therapy for the Person With Spinal Cord Injury
Carina Siracusa
Physical Therapy for Pelvic Pain
Carina Siracusa
Physical Therapy for Pelvic Surgeries
Carina Siracusa
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