Sneaky Poos
May 17, 2026
Encopresis is when a child regularly soils their underwear after the age they would usually be toilet trained. For many children, this happens because of long-term constipation, stool withholding, or reduced awareness of the body’s signals that tell them they need to do a poo.
When stool builds up in the bowel over time, the rectum can stretch and become less sensitive. This means children may not feel the urge to go, and softer stool can leak around the blockage without them realising. This can be frustrating and upsetting for both children and parents, but it is very common and treatable.
Pelvic health physiotherapy can play an important role in helping children manage encopresis by improving bowel habits, supporting healthy toileting routines, and helping the bowel return to normal function.
Treatment may include:
- Education for both parents and children about how the bowel works and why soiling happens
- Helping children develop regular toilet routines, especially after meals when the bowel is naturally more active
- Improving toilet posture, including correct foot support and positioning, to make bowel motions easier to pass
- Teaching breathing and relaxation strategies to reduce straining, fear, or withholding behaviours
- Supporting children to better recognise body signals and respond to the urge to open their bowels
- Addressing pelvic floor muscle tension or coordination difficulties that may affect bowel emptying
- Working through sensory challenges, toileting anxiety, or distractions that may contribute to accidents
Pelvic health physiotherapy is gentle, supportive, and child-focused. Appointments are designed to help children feel safe and comfortable while also giving parents practical strategies to use at home.
The goal is to reduce accidents, improve bowel emptying, and make toileting a less stressful experience for the whole family. With patience and the right support, children can regain confidence and work toward long-term healthy bowel habits.
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