Constipation in Kids: How Pediatric Physiotherapy Can Help Get Things Moving
Constipation in children is more common than many people realize—and it’s not just about how often your child poops. It can affect their mood, appetite, sleep, and even toilet training progress. But here’s the good news: pediatric physiotherapy can play a powerful role in supporting your child’s gut health and comfort.
What Is Constipation, Really?
In children, constipation is typically defined as:
- Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week
- Hard, dry, or painful stools
- Straining or fear of going
- Stool accidents or soiling (even in potty-trained children)
Other signs might include:
- A swollen tummy
- Irritability or discomfort
- Avoiding food because they feel too full
- Bedwetting or daytime accidents — often linked closely to constipation
Why Does Constipation Happen?
Constipation can show up for many different reasons, including:
- Diets low in fibre or water
- Withholding due to fear or past painful poops
- Weak core or postural muscles
- Stress or changes in routine (toilet training, starting school)
- Lack of movement or physical activity
- Underlying medical or neurological conditions (less common)
How Can Pediatric Physiotherapy Help?
You might be thinking: “What does physio have to do with poop?”
Actually, quite a lot!
Our pediatric physiotherapists understand how movement, breath, posture, and the nervous system all work together. That means we can help your child build the skills and body awareness needed for smooth, pain-free bowel movements.
Here’s how:
- Core Strength & Posture: A strong core helps create the pressure needed for effective pooping.
Physios use fun, age-appropriate exercises to build strength and encourage upright, relaxed posture—both essential for healthy digestion and toilet success. - Pelvic Floor & Body Tension: Yes, even kids can hold tension in their pelvic floor and their body or clench when they’re nervous or in pain.
We help children relax these muscles, use the toilet comfortably, and reduce anxiety around bowel movements—no internal exams needed. - Breathing Techniques: Deep, diaphragmatic breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, which helps with gut movement and relaxation.
We use games and visuals to teach kids how to breathe in ways that support digestion, calm their bodies, and ease toilet time tension. - Movement for Gut Motility: Physical activity stimulates the digestive system! We guide children through playful, energizing movements that wake up the gut and help regulate bowel function.
- Toileting Position & Habits: How your child sits matters.
With knees slightly higher than the hips (hello, footstool!), toileting becomes easier and more complete. Physios help families create supportive routines and setups that work at home or at school.
Who Can Benefit?
Our physiotherapists can help children who:
- Have chronic constipation or stool withholding
- Experience painful poops or toilet anxiety
- Are struggling with toilet training
- Have low muscle tone, coordination delays, or sensory sensitivities
- Want a gentle, non-medication-based option to support their care
It’s also a great preventive approach, helping your child build healthy habits early.
Final Thoughts
Constipation can be frustrating for kids and parents. But with the right support, it doesn’t have to be a daily battle.
At On the Ball, we offer a gentle, empowering, whole-body approach that supports your child’s movement, comfort, and confidence. Whether your little one needs core strength, calming tools, or help finding a healthy toilet routine, physio might be the missing piece of the puzzle.
Let’s get things moving—together.
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