If your child is extra bendy or flexible, you might have heard the word “hypermobile.” Some kids can touch their toes easily, sit in strange positions, or even seem clumsy at times. While it can look like a superpower, hypermobility can sometimes affect more than just joints—it can also impact your child’s pelvic health.

Let’s take a closer look at how being hypermobile can affect things like toileting, bladder control, and digestion, and how physiotherapy can help.

What Is Hypermobility?

Hypermobility means the joints move more than usual. It’s common in kids, and many grow out of it over time. But for some, especially those with joint pain, fatigue, or coordination issues, hypermobility can cause other challenges—including ones you might not expect.

How Hypermobility Affects Pelvic Health

1. Constipation

Children with hypermobility often have weaker core and pelvic floor muscles. These muscles help with bowel movements. If they’re not working properly, it can be hard for kids to push poo out or feel the urge to go.

Over time, this can lead to chronic constipation, which may cause tummy pain, accidents, or even changes in appetite.

2. Urinary Incontinence and Bedwetting

If the pelvic floor muscles are too weak or too relaxed, they may not hold the bladder well. This can lead to:

• Leaking during the day

• Sudden urges to go

• Bedwetting (enuresis) even in older children

Because hypermobile kids may not always feel when their bladder is full, accidents can happen—even if they’re toilet trained.

3. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Constipation and poor emptying of the bladder can raise the risk of UTIs. If the bladder doesn’t fully empty, leftover urine can lead to bacteria build-up. Kids with frequent UTIs may also feel anxious about using the toilet.

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

A children’s pelvic health physiotherapist can make a big difference. Here’s how they support hypermobile kids:

Toilet Training & Bladder Retraining

They teach your child (and you) how to sit properly on the toilet, how to relax the right muscles, and how to create healthy toilet habits.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises

They guide your child through fun, age-appropriate exercises to gently strengthen the pelvic floor and core muscles.

Constipation Support

They help improve digestion and bowel movements through posture tips, breathing techniques, and movement.

Posture and Movement Coaching

They teach your child how to move, stand, and sit in ways that reduce strain and support their muscles.

Support and Education

They work closely with families, offering reassurance, practical tools, and a plan that’s easy to follow at home.

If your child is hypermobile and struggles with constipation, UTIs, bedwetting, or leaking, know that you’re not alone—and help is available. A pelvic health physiotherapist can offer gentle, effective support that improves your child’s comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

If you have questions or concerns, speak to your GP or book an appointment with Proactive Physiotherapy. The earlier we help, the easier it is to get things back on track.