A pelvic health physio can play a crucial role for many men who undergo a radical prostatectomy—the surgical removal of the prostate for treatment of prostate cancer. While this procedure is incredibly effective in treating cancer, it can lead to challenging side effects that significantly impact daily life, including urinary incontinence and changes in erectile function.
It’s a big adjustment, and understandably, many men wonder how they can regain control and get back to feeling like themselves. This is where pelvic health physio becomes an invaluable ally on the road to recovery. Far from being just about “Kegels,” this specialised form of physiotherapy offers comprehensive support tailored to the unique needs of men after prostatectomy.
How Can a Pelvic Health Physio Help After Radical Prostatectomy?
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Conquering Urinary Incontinence:
Strengthening the Support System: The prostate sits just below the bladder, and its removal can impact the muscles responsible for holding urine. Pelvic floor muscle training (often called Kegels) helps to strengthen these muscles, improving their ability to contract effectively and provide better support to the urethra. This is often the most immediate and impactful benefit
Learning Proper Technique: It’s not just about doing Kegels; it’s about doing them correctly. A pelvic health physiotherapist will assess your technique, to ensure you’re activating the right muscles and avoiding compensation from other muscle groups.
“The Knack”: A pelvic health physio can teach strategies to help you quickly contract your pelvic floor muscles just before activities that might cause leakage, like coughing, sneezing, lifting, or standing up.
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Addressing Erectile Dysfunction (ED):
- Muscle Power for Erections: The pelvic floor muscles play a surprising, but crucial, role in achieving and maintaining erections. They help to compress veins in the penis, trapping blood and contributing to rigidity.
- Improving Blood Flow and Nerve Recovery: While nerve damage can occur during surgery, strengthening the surrounding muscles can support improved blood flow to the area and potentially aid in nerve recovery.
- Holistic Approach: Physiotherapy for ED often complements other medical interventions, providing a non-invasive way to enhance outcomes.
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Managing Pelvic Pain:
- While less common, some men may experience pelvic discomfort or pain after surgery. A pelvic health physio can assess for muscle tension, scar tissue restrictions, or nerve irritation and use various techniques to alleviate pain.
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Returning to Activity and Exercise Safely:
- Physiotherapy helps you safely and gradually return to your normal activities, including exercise, lifting, and work. They guide you on how to protect your healing tissues and use your pelvic floor muscles effectively during physical exertion.
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Boosting Confidence and Quality of Life:
- Regaining control over bladder function and improving sexual health can profoundly impact a man’s confidence and overall well-being. Pelvic health physiotherapy empowers men by giving them tools and strategies to manage their symptoms and take an active role in their recovery.
What to Expect at a Pelvic Health Physio Session
Your first session will involve a detailed discussion about your medical history, symptoms, and goals. The physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment, which may include external palpation of muscles, and potentially an internal examination to properly evaluate your pelvic floor muscle function. They will develop a personalised treatment plan that might include:
- Specific pelvic floor muscle exercises.
- Biofeedback to help you feel and see your muscle contractions.
- Manual therapy techniques for muscle release or scar tissue.
- Education on bladder habits, fluid intake, and lifestyle modifications.
- Guidance on returning to intimacy.
When to Start?
Ideally, a referral to a pelvic health physio should happen before surgery (often called “prehabilitation” or “prehab”). Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles beforehand can significantly improve post-operative recovery time and reduce the severity of side effects. If prehab wasn’t possible, it’s never too late to start.
Taking Control of Your Recovery
A radical prostatectomy is a major life event, but it doesn’t have to define your quality of life. Pelvic health physio offers a proven, evidence-based path to regaining control, improving function, and restoring confidence.
If you’ve undergone a radical prostatectomy, come and see us. It could be one of the most beneficial steps you take in your recovery journey, helping you navigate “new plumbing” with greater ease and confidence.