Men’s Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: What You Should Know

Pelvic floor physical therapy is gaining popularity across the world.  Many women are seeking the help of a pelvic PT to assist in reducing urinary leakage, improving symptoms of pelvic pressure, and improving pelvic pain.  However, pelvic floor therapy is not just for women; men can benefit too! Men often experience urinary issues such as urinary leakage, urine dribble after urinating, pelvic pain, post- prostatectomy urinary leakage, or erectile dysfunction, and core weakness.  Pelvic floor PT is evidence- based private, and tailored to each individual.  Find out more about Men’s Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy – what you should know.

Men can experience improved bladder and bowel control with the help of pelvic floor therapy.  The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that run from the pubic bone to the tailbone.  These muscles support the bladder and bowels, help to keep urine, stool, and gas inside, and contribute to normal sexual function.  When the pelvic floor is not working properly, men can experience urinary urgency, urinary leakage, difficulty starting or stopping a stream of urine, and or constipation.  An experienced pelvic floor therapist can help men retrain the pelvic floor muscles for coordination and control of these problems.   This will impact daily confidence and improve quality of life.

 Men may also experience pelvic pain, such as in the perineal area, testicles, tailbone, or chronic prostatitis symptoms. These may be caused by tight pelvic floor muscles. A pelvic floor specialist teaches manual and relaxation techniques as well as movement training. These non-invasive treatments are always individualized.

The pelvic floor is an important stabilizer of the core, working with the diaphragm, abdominals, and back muscles to stabilize the spine and pelvis. When tight or weak, the pelvic floor may contribute to back pain, hip pain, or poor posture. Pelvic floor therapy can help improve core strength and is especially beneficial for athletes and active individuals.

Pelvic floor therapy can help men after surgery.  Prostate surgery, hernia repair, and abdominal surgery can impact the health of the pelvic floor.  Working with a pelvic floor PT can support healing, muscle control, and confidence post- surgery.  It can also help reduce long-term complications such as incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and pain.  In many cases, getting started early with guided rehabilitation can mean a quicker recovery with an improved quality of life.

Another function of the pelvic floor is to provide normal sexual functioning.  The pelvic floor muscles are responsible for maintaining erection and ejaculation.  A pelvic floor therapist will assist in providing education, muscle coordination, and improving blood flow.  They will also address issues like pain with intimacy or decreased performance.  Sexual dysfunction is a common complaint of males with pelvic floor dysfunction, and a trained pelvic floor PT can assist you in gaining function and confidence in this aspect of your life.

Upon making an appointment with a trained pelvic floor specialist, you can expect to have an individualized exam based on your needs.

Your pelvic PT will meet with you and discuss your medical and surgical history, as well as obtain details of the current issue.  The pelvic floor therapist will perform an exam of your musculoskeletal system, including your pelvic floor muscles, with care taken to provide privacy and comfort. Your treatment session will include education, exercises, hands-on techniques, and a home program tailored to your needs.  Your pelvic floor therapist will work with you to establish individualized goals based on your symptoms and lifestyle.

Pelvic floor PT is for men of all ages and can help men reach their goals for improved function and quality of life.  Men and women alike do not need to suffer in silence from pelvic floor dysfunction.  If you feel that you may benefit from an individualized meeting with one of our pelvic floor physical therapists, we invite you to schedule an evaluation.  We would be happy to help you achieve your health goals. Schedule your appointment today!