What Men Should Know About Pelvic Floor Recovery
Life After Prostate Surgery
What Men Should Know About Pelvic Floor Recovery
If you’ve recently undergone prostate surgery, you know that it can play a big role in improving health and quality of life. But you may have also been blindsided by some of the after-effects of the procedure, from pelvic discomfort to changes in sexual function.
These symptoms aren’t uncommon. However, they also aren’t something you just have to deal with. Pelvic floor physical therapy at Fitness Matters gives you the tools you need to regain strength, control, and confidence after a prostatectomy.
A Closer Look at the Pelvic Floor
Frustrating symptoms after a prostatectomy can generally be traced back to issues with your pelvic floor, a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues located at the bottom of the pelvis. These muscles support the bladder and bowel. In men, they also play an important role in urinary control and sexual function.
Prostate surgery can alter these muscles in several ways, including weakening them or disrupting their coordination with your bladder and core muscles. As a result, you might experience symptoms like:
- Urinary incontinence
- Pelvic tension or pain
- Erectile dysfunction
- Weakness during physical activity
Unfortunately, many of these symptoms are difficult to discuss, leaving many men with misconceptions about life after a prostatectomy. Let’s take a look at some of those myths and explore your treatment options.
Pelvic Floor Recovery After Prostate Surgery: Fact vs. Fiction
There are many misconceptions surrounding pelvic floor therapy after prostate surgery. Understanding what’s true — and what isn’t — can help you feel more confident about recovery and getting the support you need.
“Pelvic Floor Therapy Is Only for Women.”
This is one of the biggest myths we see at our clinic. Unfortunately, belief in this myth can often keep men from getting the help they need, especially after prostate surgery.
Everyone has a pelvic floor, and pelvic floor therapy at Fitness Matters is designed to address your specific symptoms and concerns.
After a prostatectomy, therapy can help:
- Reduce urinary leakage
- Improve bladder control
- Support sexual health
- Reduce pelvic tension
- Improve confidence during activity
“Kegels Are the Only Treatment You Need.”
Kegels are often recommended after prostate surgery, and they can play an important role. However, pelvic floor therapy offers more comprehensive benefits.
Sometimes issues develop because the muscles are too weak. Other times, they develop because the muscles are too tight, overactive, or poorly coordinated.
Our team evaluates several factors, including:
- Muscle strength
- Coordination
- Breathing patterns
- Posture
- Hip and core function
- Scar tissue mobility
- Movement mechanics
“Urinary Leakage After Surgery Is Permanent.”
Many men believe bladder leakage is something they simply have to accept after a prostatectomy. However, this isn’t necessarily true.
Pelvic floor muscle training can help strengthen the muscles that control urine flow, decreasing or even eliminating urinary incontinence related to surgery.
Therapy may also include:
- Timed voiding strategies
- Bladder habit education
- Techniques to reduce pressure during coughing, lifting, or exercise
“You Should Avoid Exercise During Recovery.”
Rest is important immediately after surgery, but prolonged inactivity can weaken the pelvic muscles and potentially slow your recovery.
Our team can guide you through gradual, safe exercises to help you return to day-to-day movements like walking, strength training, and recreational activities.
Movement should feel safe and manageable. A guided plan helps you rebuild confidence while protecting recovery.
Better Bladder Control and Recovery Starts With the Right Support
You don’t have to live with frustrating pelvic floor symptoms after your prostate surgery. Pelvic floor physical therapy at Fitness Matters offers a personalized approach to improving strength, movement, and daily function.
To learn more about how we can support your recovery and long-term wellness, schedule an appointment with our team today!
Three Signs Your Pelvic Floor May Need Attention
We hope you have a good sense of how important pelvic floor therapy can be for your overall health and well-being. But how do you know when it might be time to come into Fitness Matters for a check-up?
Let’s take a look at three signs that can indicate your pelvic floor needs a bit more support.
You Notice Urinary Issues
Urinary incontinence can be a common sign of pelvic floor dysfunction, especially after prostate surgery. However, it can also develop for other reasons, including pelvic floor weakness, high muscle tension, and aging.
Not all incontinence is the same. You might notice leaking during coughing, lifting, or exercise (stress incontinence). Some men also experience a sudden urge to urinate and struggle to make it to the bathroom in time (urge incontinence). Our team can help with both types.
You Have Ongoing Pelvic, Hip, or Low Back Pain
Tight muscles and poor coordination can cause pain throughout the pelvic area–and beyond, including the tailbone, hips, and lower back.
You might experience aching sensations, pressure, or just an overall sense of discomfort. Guided therapy can make a big difference.
You Notice Changes in Sexual Function
The pelvic floor muscles also play an important role in sexual health. Weakness, tension, or poor coordination in these muscles may contribute to erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain during or after intimacy, or reduced sensation.
Like urinary incontinence, these symptoms are especially common after prostate surgery, but they can also occur alongside chronic pelvic tension or core weakness. And yes, in many cases, physical therapy can help!
Make the Most of Your Summer Vacation with Physical Therapy
Whether you’re heading to the beach or hitting up an amusement park, the last thing you want to deal with during your vacation is pain and limited mobility. As you make your summer vacation plans, consider adding one more thing to your checklist: a physical therapy session at Fitness Matters.
Our therapists will help ensure your body is ready for whatever adventures you have planned. We’ll…
- Identify any underlying issues that might contribute to pain or restricted movement.
- Develop a customized treatment plan to resolve those issues so you can have a pain-free trip.
- Provide tips and strategies to ensure you don’t suffer pain or impairment while you’re away.
A vacation is a chance to relax and try new things, not suffer through joint pain. We’ll help resolve those issues early so you can focus on what matters: having the time of your life.
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Healthy Summer Recipe
Fuel your summer adventures with a fresh, balanced meal packed with protein, fiber, and colorful vegetables. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weekdays, beach trips, or post-workout recovery.
Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup hummus
- Olive oil and lemon juice to taste
- Add quinoa to a bowl and top with grilled chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, and feta.
- Add hummus on the side and drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
- Serve chilled or slightly warm for an easy summer meal.
