Children’s Bladder & Bowel Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
Rangiora & North Canterbury
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
Jo is an experienced physiotherapist who began her career in New Zealand working in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, developing strong manual therapy skills. She then volunteered at a hospital in Nepal for two years working in spinal cord rehabilitation, including bowel and bladder complications. After having two children while working in musculoskeletal practice treating pregnant and postnatal women, Jo became frustrated at the lack of help for women with post-birth complications or those wanting a directed return to sport and exercise.
This led Jo to develop a special interest in pelvic floor physiotherapy. She has completed extensive advanced training in pelvic health for women and children through numerous continuing education courses, often internationally, including pessary fitting and management for pelvic organ prolapse. Most recently, Jo has undergone advanced training in male and paediatric pelvic health physiotherapy, now offering comprehensive care for men, women, and children (aged 3 and up for bowel issues, 5 and up for urinary issues).
Jo’s passion lies in empowering her clients – whatever their age – with the knowledge and tools they need to live confidently and comfortably. She has particular experience with post-natal return to fitness and sports, pelvic organ prolapse and stress incontinence, post-operative gynaecological care, complex bowel issues, pelvic pain, and childhood wetting or soiling. Jo uses a friendly, practical approach with children, including videos and resources to explain causes and work with families on effective management strategies.
Jo lives with her husband and two children and can be found trying to keep up with her family in the hills tramping, biking, kayaking, skiing, or rogaining.
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.
