Men's Pelvic Health
Unfortunately a male pelvic health certification does not yet exist – or you can guarantee our staff would have it! Our physical therapists have had many hours of continuing education each year focusing on male pelvic health. Three of our therapists have been to training on male pelvic pain and bowel dysfunctions, as well as on the care of male patients after prostate removal due to cancer.
The most common male pelvic issues we treat are Prostatitis and Urinary Incontinence Post-Prostatectomy.
Prostatitis/Male Pelvic Pain
Males who have been diagnosis with prostatitis typically have pelvic pain as well. Prostatitis is swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland, a walnut-sized gland located directly below the bladder in men. The prostate gland produces fluid (semen) that nourishes and transports sperm.
Prostatitis often causes painful or difficult urination. Other symptoms of prostatitis include pain in the groin, pelvic area or genitals and sometimes flu-like symptoms.
Prostatitis affects men of all ages but tends to be more common in men 50 years of age or younger. Prostatitis can be caused by a number of different things.
Urinary Incontinence
We can begin to treat the urinary incontinence you're experiencing following the removal of your prostate just 2 weeks after catheter removal. We usually see patients go from wet to dry in just 4 to 6 sessions.
According to the National Association for Continence (NAFC) only 18% of men, compared to 33% of women, discuss bladder symptoms. We are here to educate, support and assist both men and women in the management of this condition.
There are certain conditions that may put you more at risk for urinary incontinence, such as:
• Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy/enlargement (BPH)
• Post Prostatectomy removal
• Nerve Damage
• Bladder conditions
• Pelvic Floor Weakness
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Diabetes
Frequent symptoms of bladder dysfunction include:
• Post- void dribble,
• Delayed initiation of the stream, or
• Difficulty stopping the stream once initiated.
Physical Therapy provides a safe, proven, non-invasive treatment option. The plan of care consists of bladder retraining, behavior modification, targeted core strengthening, biofeedback, postural alignment and breath training.
Let us help you restore quality of life!
After a comprehensive evaluation, treatment for these conditions may include:
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Myofacial release (internal and external)
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Trigger point release (internal and external)
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Joint mobilization
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Visceral mobilization
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Patient education
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Therapeutic exercise
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Core strengthening
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Activity modification
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Postural education
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Relaxation techniques
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Biofeedback ( internal and external)
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Muscle re-education
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Electrical stimulation
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Behavior modification
What to Expect
at your appointments for pelvic dysfunction
We know it that pelvic disorders can be an uncomfortable, embarrassing, even scary thing to talk about. We've been treating these issues for years, and we promise to create an environment where you will feel safe to be open and honest with us. We have just one mission: to help you live a better life, with less pain.
For your first and every appointment, be sure to wear comfortable clothes. It will help you relax, and more accurately show us what you experience.
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You can schedule your post-prostatectomy evaluation within one to two weeks post catheter removal.
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For urinary incontinence complaints, physical therapy will be 1x/week for 4-6 weeks.
Here's what to expect when you come see us:
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You will be assessed by one of our therapists in a private treatment room setting with a closed door.
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There you will openly discuss your current condition and concerns including your history, discussion of findings, and receive anatomy education so that you understand your condition/diagnosis.
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The therapist will then perform a postural assessment, musculoskeletal exam including your strength and range of motion, and finally a rectal exam depending on your condition.
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It is important that the therapist knows your goals for treatment and why you are making the commitment to come to therapy.
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At Empower, you will be scheduled with the same therapist for 1:1 follow-up appointments and receive care from your licensed PT who will be with you during the entire session.
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Typically in follow-up appointments, your PT will do manual work in a private room and then progress to our gym area where you will work on exercise, strengthening, and Pilates-based workouts.
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For a successful discharge, our therapist oversees, monitors, and progresses your case throughout your treatments so that you can achieve your functional goals more efficiently.
