Urinary leakage is common after prostate removal
Do you leak urine after your surgery for prostate cancer? Did you know that Urinary Incontinence (urine leakage) is common after radical prostatectomy (prostate removal)?
According to a study in 1998 by Moul, Stress urinary incontinence can affect up to:
- 54% of patients at three months after surgery
- 38% of patients at six months after surgery
- 35% of patients at 12 months after surgery
If you are experiencing urinary leakage after prostate removal, you are not alone! Also, rest assured that this is a treatable problem.
How can Physical Therapy Help?
Pelvic floor physical therapy after prostate removal can be beneficial in reducing urinary leakage. A recent study published in The Journal of Urology, early physical therapy treatment to the pelvic floor had a significant positive impact on the early recovery of urinary continence after surgery compared to those with no therapy. Treatments in pelvic floor therapy are focused on strengthening pelvic floor muscles through exercise. When the pelvis muscles are strong and working well, they keep urine in when needed and let urine pass when urinating. Physical therapy will help ensure that the pelvic muscles are doing what they need to do to prevent the unwanted leakage of urine.
Through research, we also know that early intervention is best; at Freedom Physical Therapy, we aim to see patients 4-6 weeks post-surgery. Even more beneficial is having 1-3 physical therapy visits before having surgery. Another recent study determined that attending physical therapy before surgery reduced the frequency of urinary leakage after surgery.
What to expect from pelvic floor physical therapy?
At Freedom Physical Therapy Services, we have trained specialists to help you with the following:
- Provide education about the muscles that keep urine from coming out
- Teach you how to perform a proper pelvic floor muscle contraction (Kegel)
- Provide education on appropriate bladder habits and schedule
- Instruct you in exercises to help improve the strength and flexibility of other muscles that influence good bladder control
- Provide education on post-operative care
We would be happy to help you or a loved one before and after prostate removal! Please call our front desk to schedule an appointment at 414-352-2082. Or, request an appointment here.