Part 3: Potty Training: Pelvic PT vs. OT…What does my child need?
By Hayden Migneault, DPT
Welcome to Part 3 of our series all about pediatric pelvic floor therapy! This series will help parents better understand pediatric pelvic floor therapy and potty training support options for children. In Part 1, PT Mrs. Hayden tackled what pelvic floor therapy is and when it might be needed. Part 2 covered about what the next steps look like if you think your child might need pelvic floor therapy. In the final post, Mrs. Hayden is going to talk all about where occupational and/or physical therapy might help when it comes to potty training.
Potty Training can be an exciting time of independence, but it can also be an overwhelming time. While many kids learn with practice, some may need extra support. If you are having difficulties, therapies such as occupational and physical therapy may be able to help you and your child.
What is the Difference?
Occupational Therapy (OT)
This therapy will focus on helping children with daily routines and skills. OT is a great fit if your child understands the idea of using the toilet but struggles with the
routine, behavior, or sensory side of things.
Pelvic Physical Therapy (Pelvic PT)
This therapy focuses more on the
body and muscles, especially how they work together. PT is a better fit if your child is having trouble with the
physical process of peeing or pooping.
Could my child need both?
Sometimes toileting challenges are not just about behavior or the body—they are a mix of both. In these cases, children often benefit most from working with both OT and PT. Here are some common real-life examples to help you understand when both may be helpful.
Holding All Day
- OT: Fear of bathrooms, avoiding routines
- PT: Constipation, trouble relaxing muscles
Frequent Accidents
- OT: Doesn’t notice body signals
- PT: Trouble holding or controlling muscles
Afraid to Poop
- OT: Anxiety, fear from past pain
- PT: Constipation, painful bowel movements
Sits but Can’t Go
- OT: Trouble staying calm or focused
- PT: Poor muscle coordination or relaxation
Developmental Delays
- OT: Needs help with steps and routines
- PT: Needs help with posture and strength
In these cases, therapists often work together to support the child. Getting the right support can make potty training easier, less stressful, and more successful for everyone involved.
Every child’s potty training journey looks different, and sometimes extra support can make all the difference. Whether your child would benefit from occupational therapy, physical therapy, or a combination of both, the right team can help make toileting less stressful and more successful for the whole family.
If you have concerns about your child’s potty training progress, contact Hogg Therapy at
(859)353-3666 to learn more about scheduling an evaluation and finding the best fit for your child’s needs.
![We’ve loved seeing your stories roll in over the past couple weeks and wanted to share one of our own, thanks to therapists Lauren & Maya and their friend Tiffany. ❤️
Last week, OT Ms. Lauren and ST Ms. Maya accompanied Tiffany on a HUGE adventure, attending the Special Needs Camp of Kentucky for activities, friendship, and growth ? Headquartered in Bath County, SNCKI is free to attend, with nearly 100 campers enrolled this year! Ms. Lauren shared her thoughts with the HTP team when she got home: “The other campers welcomed [Tiffany] with open arms, and she made so many new friends…A space where 76 teens/adults with disabilities of all kinds were free to just be them and make those connections with each other while having tons of fun. We have had moments that were trickier to navigate, but we did it together.”
One of the nights was family and community night, featuring a group dance and a talent showcase. ?Lauren said, “The amount of love and support in the gym was out of this world. For her mom to see that, to know that we’ve got her girl no matter what, means more than any treatment code or note I could ever write. She is already asking when she gets to come back…and even told her mom to ‘buy a new house at camp’? If you are not already, follow Special Needs Connections of Kentucky, Inc on facebook. They are doing such AMAZING things for our community here and deserve so much support.” ? We couldn’t agree more!
Therapy isn’t about treatment codes, billable hours, documentation, or recertification. It’s about the meaningful moments and the love we pour into these children every single day. This is why Hogg Therapy exists—to give every child the opportunity to experience a meaningful, joyful life. ✨ Thank you, Lauren and Maya for your support both in and outside of the clinic and for sharing this story! ?](https://scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/747807719_18212073508337241_9129116297997701917_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=quNGwGnQrC8Q7kNvwEPutQC&_nc_oc=AdrR6RsM2g9FQbh3uijBHs9up3crU4eUPDeh4RfTkmnI16tV4mfAJGkXBHMBh5g9uw8&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=zoLTzkNdGhYYsIDCGOQtHQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQIbQCQobdbU51ISR6YwyksQB1YvTAsQb_2n9AoGpx03byeqYMqBBpeglmSC9zSfEb6fBVcDfJKM3g&oh=00_AQF487SxRyG29lTUJViq4syj_SRkplyhUTcd-FZnDzc5Fg&oe=6A855B4A)
![We’re sharing an occupational therapy success story from OT Mrs. Abby today! ? Meet Grayson! When he first started occupational therapy, everyday life felt hard. He was experiencing significant picky eating, struggled with daily routines and transitions, and had a difficult time managing big emotions.
Since then, Grayson has put in so much hard work. Through OT, he has built confidence, strengthened his self-regulation skills, and learned to take on new and challenging tasks with courage. Every small step has added up to something truly amazing! One of the biggest reasons for Grayson’s success has been the incredible partnership with his parents. They fully embraced therapy beyond the clinic by consistently practicing strategies at home through his Home Exercise Program (HEP). Their dedication, encouragement, and willingness to try new approaches have made all the difference.
Today, Grayson is trying new foods every week, navigating daily routines with greater independence, and enjoying more successful, joyful moments with his family. His growth is a wonderful reminder of what can happen when a determined child, committed caregivers, and a supportive therapy team work together.
?Congratulations, Grayson! We are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and we’re celebrating your amazing parents, too. Your hard work, perseverance, and teamwork are inspiring! ?
[This story & all photos shared with parent permission ??] #occupationaltherapy #hoggtherapypediatrics #hoggtherapy #feedingtherapy](https://scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.82787-15/742695277_18211398901337241_3568386461214310976_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiQ0FST1VTRUxfSVRFTS5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=R220w7ilaYcQ7kNvwEbEjZf&_nc_oc=AdrRQ2uPEqTQ7SVMq00UROY2OZdR1sa62FYHkIDXgAfIqSK9IKGkIUxCblQSDNRQ-Yg&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad6-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=zoLTzkNdGhYYsIDCGOQtHQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQLcPgtyOjz3-cWzM-4Nk8zCBMbu7cweNfAwGa7oILtDo656ka09L6kryAOPfbKR7MQL8lfyxq-XXA&oh=00_AQEuiV6Ndo4b7CGzXalaPFj54OhQSU6gesVWkx5-t6pwCQ&oe=6A8539CE)
