Abdominal Pain in Children
Many children experience stomach aches, bloating, or belly discomfort — but when abdominal pain becomes frequent or persistent, it can start to affect a child’s daily life. Abdominal pain is often linked to bowel or bladder dysfunction, muscle tension, or digestive irregularities — not just diet.
At OWN Pediatric Therapy, we take a whole-body approach to understanding why your child’s belly hurts, addressing both the physical and nervous system factors that contribute to abdominal pain.
Understanding Abdominal Pain in Kids
Children may describe belly pain in many ways — “tummy aches,” “cramps,” or “butterflies.” Often, the root cause is functional, meaning there’s no single disease but rather a problem in how the body systems are working together.
Abdominal pain can be caused or worsened by:
Constipation or incomplete bowel emptying
Muscle tension in the abdominal or pelvic area
Gas, bloating, or digestive sluggishness
Anxiety, stress, or sensory sensitivities
Poor coordination between the diaphragm, core, and pelvic floor
Food sensitivities or hydration issues
Because the gut and nervous system are so closely connected, children may feel pain or discomfort even when all tests look normal. Our goal is to help the body move, relax, and regulate so pain naturally decreases.
How Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapy Helps
Pelvic floor therapy is a gentle, effective approach that helps children connect their breathing, posture, and core control to digestive health.
At OWN Pediatric Therapy, we help children:
Improve bowel regularity and reduce constipation-related pain
Relax abdominal and pelvic muscles to ease tension
Learn breathing and movement strategies to support gut motility
Strengthen coordination between the core, diaphragm, and pelvic floor
Identify and modify daily routines that contribute to discomfort
Each session is one-on-one and play-based, helping your child feel comfortable and supported while we uncover the root cause of their pain.
Common Symptoms We Address
Frequent belly aches or cramping
Pain during or after bowel movements
Bloating, gas, or distended abdomen
Constipation-related pain
Abdominal tension or guarding
Stress-related stomach discomfort
Helping Kids Feel Better from the Inside Out
You don’t have to accept “chronic stomach aches” as normal. With the right care and support, most children can experience lasting relief from abdominal pain and return to enjoying meals, play, and daily routines without discomfort.
OWN Pediatric Therapy offers pediatric pelvic floor therapy for abdominal pain in Denver, Colorado, and virtually across the U.S., helping children feel better — from the inside out. Learn more today!