Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for Men
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is often associated with women's health, but it is equally important for men, as men also have a pelvic floor that can become dysfunctional. A trained pelvic floor physiotherapist can help men with a variety of conditions, typically related to the muscles, ligaments, and nerves of the pelvic region.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for Men
Here are some of the common conditions treated in men:
Pelvic Pain
Conditions:
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Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS): This is persistent pain in the pelvic region that can last for more than six months. It may occur with or without infection, and the cause is often difficult to pinpoint.
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Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland, often resulting in pelvic pain, urinary issues, and discomfort during sexual activity.
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Pudendal Neuralgia: Pain caused by irritation or compression of the pudendal nerve, which runs through the pelvic area.
Symptoms:
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Pain in the pelvic region, groin, or perineum
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Burning, aching, or discomfort in the pelvic muscles
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Pain during sitting, sexual activity, or urination
Urinary Incontinence
Conditions:
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Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence: After prostate surgery, men may experience urinary leakage due to weakness in the pelvic floor muscles or damage to surrounding tissues.
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Overactive Bladder: Frequent urination, urgency, and sometimes leakage, often caused by involuntary bladder contractions.
Symptoms:
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Leakage of urine during activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercising
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Frequent or urgent need to urinate
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Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
Erectile Dysfunction
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Pelvic floor dysfunction can contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED). Weak or tight pelvic floor muscles may affect blood flow to the penis, making it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.
Symptoms:
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Inability to achieve or maintain an erection
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Decreased quality of erections
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Reduced sexual performance or confidence
Fecal Incontinence
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Inability to control bowel movements, leading to involuntary leakage of stool or gas. This can be related to weak pelvic floor muscles or nerve damage.
Symptoms:
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Involuntary loss of stool or gas
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Urgency or difficulty controlling bowel movements
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Discomfort or pain during bowel movements
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
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Pelvic floor physiotherapy can play a key role in recovery after surgeries such as hernia repairs, prostate surgeries, or bladder procedures. These surgeries can weaken or damage the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures, leading to dysfunction.
Symptoms:
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Post-Hernia Repair Pain: Tightness or pain in the pelvic area after surgery.
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Scarring and Adhesions: Following abdominal or pelvic surgery, scar tissue can limit muscle movement or cause pain.
Hard Flaccid Syndrome
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New onset of changes in both flaccid and erect penis. Often happens in late teens-early 20's. Can be after trauma.
Symptoms:
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Difficulty or inability to obtain erections
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Changes or absence of night and morning erections
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Changes to penis during flaccid state
Treatments Options for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Men
Pelvic floor physiotherapists use a combination of manual therapy, exercise, and biofeedback to treat dysfunctions. Here are the common treatments used:
Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)
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The ability to fully contract and fully relax the pelvic floor gives you control over bladder and bowel functions, as well as supporting sexual health.
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Muscles that are not able to fully relax can become painful and tired and lead to dysfunction. It is therefore crucial that we are doing these exercises properly and not creating dysfunctions.
Manual Therapy
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Hands-on techniques are used to release tension, reduce pain, and improve mobility in the pelvic muscles, fascia, and surrounding tissues. This may include:
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Myofascial release: A technique to relieve tension in the connective tissues.
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Trigger point therapy: Targeting specific areas of muscle tightness to reduce pain and restore function.
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Internal and external massage: Gentle massage of the muscles of the pelvic floor to promote relaxation and healing.
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Biofeedback
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Biofeedback uses sensors to measure pelvic floor muscle activity, helping the physiotherapist and patient understand muscle control. It provides real-time feedback, helping patients learn how to properly activate and relax their pelvic muscles.
Electrical Stimulation
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Small electrical currents are applied to the pelvic floor muscles to stimulate contractions. This can be helpful for men who have difficulty activating their pelvic muscles on their own, especially after surgery or injury.
Bladder and Bowel Retraining
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Physiotherapists work with patients to develop new habits that help regain control over bladder and bowel functions. This may involve scheduling regular bathroom breaks, reducing fluid intake at certain times, or modifying diet.
Relaxation and Breathing Techniques
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Since stress and tension can exacerbate pelvic floor dysfunction, learning relaxation techniques and proper breathing can help. Diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation exercises help reduce muscle tension and promote better control over the pelvic floor.
Postural Training
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Poor posture can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. Physiotherapists may work with men to improve their posture, particularly in the hips, spine, and pelvis, to reduce strain on the pelvic floor muscles.
Education and Lifestyle Changes
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Educating patients about proper pelvic floor function, bladder habits, diet, and other factors is crucial for long-term success. Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and other irritants can improve symptoms, as can stress management.
Conclusion
Pelvic floor physiotherapy is an essential and effective treatment for a wide range of pelvic health issues in men, from urinary incontinence and pelvic pain to post-surgical recovery and sexual dysfunction. With proper evaluation and personalized treatment, men can regain control, improve their quality of life, and restore normal function of their pelvic floor. If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, booking your first appointment could be a key step toward recovery.