Healing from a Prostatectomy: How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help
A prostatectomy is a significant surgical procedure, often performed to treat prostate cancer. While life-saving, this surgery can lead to considerable changes in the pelvic region. One of the most common challenges men face post-surgery is regaining control over pelvic floor function, particularly concerning urinary continence and sexual health.
In this blog, we’ll discuss what happens during a prostatectomy, the importance of pelvic floor function in recovery, and how pelvic floor physical therapy can play a vital role in rehabilitation.
What Happens During a Prostatectomy?
A prostatectomy involves the surgical removal of the prostate gland. Located between the bladder and penis, the prostate surrounds the urethra and plays a key role in producing seminal fluid. During the procedure, the prostate gland and, in some cases, surrounding tissues—such as part of the urethra—are removed.
This removal can lead to:
- Changes in urinary function
- Altered pelvic floor muscle dynamics
- Challenges with sexual health
Common Pelvic Health Issues After a Prostatectomy
- Urinary Incontinence
- The internal urethral sphincter is no longer present after surgery, leaving the external urethral sphincter as the primary defense against leakage.
- Weakness in this muscle can cause:
- Stress incontinence (leakage with coughing, sneezing, or lifting)
- Urge incontinence (leakage with a sudden need to urinate)
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Nerves responsible for erections may be impacted during the surgery, leading to difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection.
- Pelvic Pain or Discomfort
- This can result from:
- Surgical trauma
- Muscle tension
- Changes in pelvic floor function as muscles compensate for the loss of the prostate and surrounding tissues
- This can result from:
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help
Pelvic floor physical therapy is essential for post-prostatectomy recovery, addressing urinary control, sexual function, and pelvic pain. Here’s how:
1. Strengthening Pelvic Floor Muscles
- After surgery, the external urethral sphincter becomes the primary muscle for urinary control.
- A pelvic floor physical therapist will guide you through exercises to:
- Strengthen the pelvic floor muscles
- Focus on the external sphincter and anterior pelvic floor
2. Improving Muscle Function and Coordination
- Therapists assess whether muscles are:
- Hypertonic (working too hard)
- Hypotonic (too weak)
- They design tailored programs to:
- Address imbalances
- Reduce overcompensation and tightness through manual therapy and relaxation techniques
3. Supporting Erectile Function
- Pelvic floor physical therapy can help improve blood flow and nerve function, contributing to recovery from erectile dysfunction.
4. Bladder Training
- Therapists provide techniques to restore normal bladder function, including:
- Increasing time between bathroom trips
- Managing fluid intake
- Controlling urinary urges
- These techniques help rebuild confidence in bladder control.
5. Addressing Pelvic Pain
- Manual techniques, such as myofascial release, relieve tension in the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding tissues.
- Combined with relaxation strategies, these methods alleviate pain and improve overall pelvic health.
Why You Should Consider Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy After a Prostatectomy
Recovering from a prostatectomy can be challenging, particularly when facing urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction. Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a comprehensive, non-invasive approach to:
- Strengthen pelvic floor muscles
- Improve bladder and sexual function
- Alleviate pelvic pain
With a tailored recovery program, trained pelvic floor physical therapists can help men regain normal function and return to daily activities with confidence.
Start Your Recovery Today
Looking to be on the road to recovery following a prostatectomy?
📞 Call: 908-443-9880
📧 Email: receptionmadison@pelvichealthnj.com
Take the first step toward restoring your pelvic health and quality of life!