Vitality Therapy And Performance

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Chronic Constipation

Infrequent and/or difficulty and straining with bowel movements

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What causes it: 

Chronic constipation in children is often caused by a combination of behavioral, dietary, and physiological factors. Common causes include a low-fiber diet, inadequate fluid intake, and withholding stool due to fear of pain or using unfamiliar bathrooms. 

This withholding can lead to harder stools, making bowel movements more difficult and painful, which further reinforces the cycle.

How PFPT helps:

Pediatric pelvic floor physical therapy helps with chronic constipation by teaching children how to properly coordinate the muscles used for bowel movements. 

Many children with constipation have pelvic floor dysfunction, where they unintentionally tighten instead of relax these muscles during toileting. Therapy focuses on improving muscle awareness, relaxation techniques, posture, and breathing to support effective and pain-free bowel movements. 

There is a significant amount of time spent on education for healthy dietary habits and changes as well.

How long does treatment take:  

The length of pediatric pelvic floor physical therapy varies depending on the child’s specific condition, symptoms, and consistency with home exercises. 

On average, treatment may take 6 to 12 weekly or biweekly sessions, but some children may need fewer or more depending on progress. Early improvements are often seen within a few sessions, especially with strong family involvement and adherence to recommendations. 

The therapist will regularly assess progress and adjust the plan as needed for long-term success.

Get To Know Our Pelvic Health Team...

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Tristen Swengle

PT, DPT, Director of Pelvic Health
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Nikki Randolph

PT, DPT, Pelvic Health Specialist
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Deena Winham, PT

Deena Winham

PT, DPT, PCES
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Testimonials

What Clients Are Saying

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Mary Jane Podesta

The staff was very welcoming. Kally listened to my concerns and provided me with techniques to resolve my constipation issues. I would highly recommend Kally to anyone with pelvic floor issues.

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Illustration of a woman with long, flowing brown hair, depicted in a minimalist style with soft earth tones. She is wearing a sleeveless top and appears to be in a thoughtful pose, reflecting on
Heather Cain

My experience with Deena was wonderful. She was helpful and knowledgeable, and I felt 100% comfortable in her care. Ladies, after 2 children, sneezing was dangerous, and after my hysterectomy, I couldn’t even go for a run. To add insult to injury, my digestive system slowed to a crawl. After only 6 treatments, I can sneeze without fear, jump on a trampoline, and I’ve resumed running. Even better, I’m regular and almost 5 lbs lighter, not carrying 3-4 days of food in my system at one time. Book an appointment today, and don’t be afraid to have the embarrassing conversations. You will not regret it. And no, it’s not “just a part of having kids,” and you don’t just “have to live with it”.

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Ready To Get Started?

Whether you need more information or are ready to get started on your path to recovery, our team is here to help. All we ask is you simply reach out by filling out a quick form. No commitment to doing this, but we just might be the answer you have been looking for. You owe it to yourself to at least find out more.

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A smiling woman with curly hair wearing a black top, specializing in physical therapy and pelvic health, standing against a plain white background.

Tristen Swengle

PT, DPT, DIRECTOR OF PELVIC HEALTH

Tristen, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, is passionate about treating active women and men who are dealing with various types of pelvic floor dysfunction so that they are able to return to their preferred exercise routine and lifestyle. She received her doctorate from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Fayetteville, AR. Since graduating, Tristen has continued to pursue further education through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute.

A woman with long brown hair and a serene expression, wearing a black top, stands against a plain light gray background in a portrait style image related to pelvic health.

Nikki Baer

PT, DPT, PELVIC HEALTH SPECIALIST

Nikki is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tulsa in 2015. She then received her doctorate from Washington University in St Louis in 2022. During her time there she became passionate about pelvic floor rehabilitation, specifically in both the active population and post-oncologic. Nikki is continuing to pursue her education through Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute. The opportunity to help patients achieve their goals, live free from pelvic pain, and feel empowered with the tools and knowledge to live a healthy life is incredibly meaningful to her.

Deena Winham, PT

Deena Winham

PT, DPT, PCES

Deena is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist. She is passionate about treating women through their pregnancy to maintain a higher level of function and exercise capability throughout their pregnancy and postpartum to help mothers recover quicker from pregnancy without any pelvic floor dysfunction. Deena also enjoys treating pelvic floor dysfunction in the pediatric population as well. Since graduating in 2019 with her doctorate from South College in Knoxville, Tennessee, Deena has continued to pursue further education through Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute.