Encopresis

Encopresis Treatment in Missouri | Pediatric Functional Neurology at HML Functional Care

If your child is struggling with stool accidents, chronic constipation, or encopresis, you are not alone — and it is not simply a behavior issue.

At HML Functional Care, we provide a neurological approach to encopresis treatment by addressing the underlying brain–gut connection. Our goal is to improve nervous system regulation so children can regain healthy bowel control naturally.

What Is Encopresis?

Encopresis is the repeated passage of stool in clothing or inappropriate places in children who are developmentally old enough to use the toilet. It is often associated with chronic constipation but may continue even after stool consistency improves.

Common signs of pediatric encopresis include:

• Frequent stool accidents
• Stool leakage or soiling
• Avoidance of the bathroom
• Large or painful bowel movements
• Reduced awareness of the urge to go

Many children with encopresis are not being defiant. They are experiencing a breakdown in communication between the brain and the gut.

The Brain–Gut Connection and Encopresis

Healthy bowel control depends on proper nervous system regulation.

The vagus nerve, brainstem circuits, autonomic nervous system, sensory pathways, and pelvic floor motor coordination must work together.

When this system is dysregulated, a child may:

• Have reduced awareness of rectal fullness
• Struggle with interoception (internal body awareness)
• Remain in chronic “fight or flight” mode
• Experience poor pelvic floor timing
• Withhold stool due to sensory discomfort

Encopresis is often a neurological regulation issue — not simply constipation.

Why Traditional Encopresis Treatments May Fall Short

Standard medical care often includes:

• Laxatives
• Stool softeners
• Scheduled toilet sitting
• Behavioral reward systems

While these approaches can temporarily improve symptoms, they may not address:

• Autonomic imbalance
• Low vagal tone
• Sensory processing deficits
• Core muscle weakness
• Brain–body communication breakdown

If the nervous system does not properly detect fullness or coordinate elimination, accidents may continue.

Our Functional Neurology Approach to Encopresis

At HML Functional Care in Missouri, we assess the neurological foundations of bowel control.

We Evaluate:

• Autonomic nervous system balance
• Vagal tone
• Brainstem and cerebellar function
• Vestibular integration
• Core muscle tone and posture
• Sensory integration and interoception
• Pelvic floor coordination

Treatment for Pediatric Encopresis May Include:

• Vagal stimulation protocols
• Breathing and autonomic regulation exercises
• Core activation and postural strengthening
• Vestibular integration therapy
• Visual–motor integration exercises
• Sensory retraining strategies
• Pelvic floor coordination work

Our focus is restoring nervous system regulation so the body can regain normal bowel function.

What Parents Often Notice

As neurological regulation improves, families frequently report:

• Fewer stool accidents
• Improved urge awareness
• Less constipation and withholding
• Reduced anxiety
• Better emotional regulation
• Improved sleep

Encopresis improves when the nervous system improves.

Encopresis Specialist in Missouri

If your child has ongoing stool accidents and traditional treatments have not worked, a neurological evaluation may be the missing piece.

HML Functional Care provides functional neurology services for children struggling with encopresis, constipation, and nervous system dysregulation.

Schedule a consultation today to explore a brain-based approach to encopresis treatment.