Physical therapists at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) are using exercise and therapeutic play to address movement, coordination, balance, strength, and endurance issues in children and young adults. This approach is particularly beneficial for pelvic health physical therapy, which focuses on developing and rehabilitating muscles involved in voiding and maintaining continence.
The pelvic floor muscles are crucial for controlling the bladder and bowel as well as supporting the body’s organs. As babies grow from newborns to toddlers, their pelvic floor muscles develop through various milestones such as sitting up, crawling, standing, walking, running, squatting, and climbing. By around 18 months to 3 years old, children typically begin to control bathroom habits due to stronger pelvic floor muscles.
Supporting muscles include those in the hips, abdomen, and diaphragm. These muscle groups work together to manage pressure in the belly and maintain continence during activities like coughing or laughing. Weakness in these areas can lead to difficulties with urinary control.
CHOP’s pelvic health physical therapists specialize in identifying dysfunctions impacting the pelvic floor’s ability to function properly. Their expertise helps achieve success with conditions like bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex.
The program at CHOP includes physical therapists and occupational therapists across outpatient locations such as Philadelphia, Virtua, King of Prussia Hospital, Bucks County, and Brandywine Valley. CHOP’s program has been influential nationwide by mentoring other institutions in building successful pediatric pelvic health programs.
Sarah Cooper PT, DPT leads efforts at CHOP’s Bladder Exstrophy Clinic. She collaborates with Dr. Aseem Shukla and Dr. Dana Weiss at international workshops like the one held annually at Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad, India. Last year’s workshop allowed Sarah to assess over 200 patients for muscle weaknesses that could be improved through therapy.
Through collaboration with Indian therapists despite cultural differences, Sarah helped identify clinical patterns within the bladder exstrophy population more quickly than usual methods would allow—informing her care practices back home at CHOP.
For appointments with Physical Therapy services at CHOP—a referral from a medical team member is required—call 215-590-5819 or use MyCHOP direct scheduling.
