Children’s Bladder & Bowel Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Christchurch
Children’s bladder and bowl is a specialised branch of physiotherapy addressing bladder and bowel problems in toddlers, children and teens. These bladder and bowel problems can be relatively common with 3-4% of children between the age of 5-12 years old presenting with daytime wetting, 10% of children wetting their bed at age 7 or older, and 1 in 10 toddlers having constipation. Children require a different approach to these problems than in adults to help to get them on track with improving bladder and bowel symptoms.
Bladder and bowel issues can have a huge impact on both the child and the family, and we are here to support the process of addressing these issues, and moreover avoid recurrence. We help you and your child understand how the body works and where pee and poop come from and get passed out through the body. We help to incorporate simple, often fun treatment strategies to remove the fear and anxiety that commonly comes with these symptoms as a young person.
Common children’s bladder and bowel symptoms and conditions we treat:
- Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis)
- Day time wetting or urgency
- Constipation
- Bowel leakage/soiling
Jo Dowle
Pelvic Health Physiotherapist - BHSc(Physio), PostGradAppTheo
Jo is an experienced pelvic health physiotherapist who works with men, women, and children (aged 3 and up) to help manage a wide range of pelvic health concerns. She treats issues like bladder and bowel urgency, frequency, leakage, constipation, and pelvic pain, as well as coccyx injuries and post-surgical recovery.
Jo has a special interest in helping children who struggle with constipation or faecal leakage — a common issue affecting up to 30% of children. She uses a friendly, practical approach, including videos and resources, to explain the causes and work with families on effective management strategies.
She also supports children aged 5 and up who are experiencing daytime or nighttime urinary leakage. Jo offers guidance on lifestyle changes, bowel management, alarms, and other strategies to help kids regain confidence.
For teenage girls with giggle incontinence or leakage during sports (especially activities like trampolining or jumping sports), Jo provides tailored advice and support.
For women managing prolapse or stress incontinence, Jo is trained in the fitting of pessaries, offering another option to help women return to the activities they love. She also provides guidance throughout pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and through life stages such as perimenopause and beyond.
Jo is passionate about empowering her clients — whatever their age — with the knowledge and tools they need to live confidently and comfortably.
Make an appointment today
Find a time that suits you and book an appointment online using our booking system. If you are not sure who to see, give us a call and we can help find the best clinician for you.