Physiotherapy
Paediatric Pelvic Health (Kids & Teens)
Paediatric Pelvic Health Physiotherapy in Dunedin
At Core Foundations, we specialise in paediatric pelvic health physiotherapy for children and teens across Dunedin and Otago. Bladder, bowel, and pelvic pain concerns can be overwhelming for young people and their families — but with the right support, they are highly treatable. Our approach is gentle, childcentred, and grounded in evidence, helping young people build confidence, independence, and healthy lifelong habits.
We support children experiencing bladder leaks, constipation, bedwetting, urgency, pelvic pain, toilet refusal, and difficulties related to development, sport, or neurodiversity. We also work closely with teen girls and menstruating adolescents who experience painful periods, pelvic cramping, or school absence due to period pain. Many families come to us after months or years of worry; others are simply looking for early guidance. Wherever you are on the journey, we meet your child with warmth, respect, and practical strategies that work.
What We Help With
- Daytime wetting or urinary leakage
- Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis)
- Constipation and soiling
- Urgency and frequency
- Pain with toileting
- Toilet training challenges
- Pelvic pain in adolescents
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhoea)
- Teens missing school or sport due to period pain
- Bowel dysfunction linked to sport, stress, or growth
- Leaking urine during sport (Stress incontinence)
Our Approach
Children and teens need a different kind of care — one that blends clinical expertise with patience, creativity, and trust. At Core Foundations, your child is supported by a physiotherapist with specialist training in paediatric pelvic health, musculoskeletal development, and youth wellbeing.
Our sessions typically include:
- A thorough, childfriendly assessment
- Education for both child and caregiver
- Bladder and bowel habit coaching
- Pelvic floor awareness and coordination training
- Posture, breathing, and core strategies
- Lifestyle and routine adjustments
- Collaboration with GPs, paediatricians, or schools when helpful
Support for Painful Periods & Teen Pelvic Pain
Many adolescents experience period pain — but severe pain, missing school, vomiting, or being unable to participate in sport is not something they should “just put up with.” Pelvic physiotherapy can help teens understand their cycle, reduce pain, improve pelvic floor coordination, and build strategies that support participation in school, sport, and daily life.
We provide:
- Education about the menstrual cycle and pelvic anatomy
- Breathing and relaxation strategies to reduce cramping
- Pelvic floor downtraining for overactivity
- Movement based pain relief strategies
- Support with exercise, sport, and load management
- Guidance for when medical review is recommended
Our goal is to help teens feel confident, informed, and supported — not embarrassed or dismissed.
Why Dunedin Families Choose Core Foundations
- Specialist paediatric pelvic health expertise
- A warm, supportive environment where children feel safe
- Evidence based treatment tailored to each child
- Strong communication with families and referrers
- A holistic approach that considers growth, sport, stress, and development
- Support for both bladder/bowel concerns and adolescent pelvic pain
- Convenient Dunedin location with flexible appointment options
FAQ
Can physiotherapy help with painful periods in teens?
Yes. Pelvic physiotherapy can support teens with cramping, pelvic pain, and difficulty participating in school or sport during their period.
Is it normal for my teen to miss school because of period pain?
Severe pain that interferes with school or daily life is not something they should have to push through. Assessment can help identify contributing factors and supportive strategies.
Do you need a GP referral?
No. Families can book directly. We also collaborate with GPs or paediatricians when helpful.
Will my child need an internal examination?
No. Paediatric and adolescent pelvic health physiotherapy uses external, ageappropriate assessment methods.
How many sessions will my child or teen need?
Most young people attend 3–6 sessions, depending on symptoms, routines, and goals.
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Helping Kids, Teens & Families Move With Confidence
Our sessions are calm, supportive, and developmentally appropriate — with clear guidance for parents and practical strategies that fit real family life.