Prostate Health

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Prostate Health

At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers, we take a collaborative and holistic approach to successfully treat patients with pelvic floor conditions. Physical therapy can address men's health and pelvic floor concerns such as prostate health.

About 50% of men over the age of 50 report urinary difficulties, and as many as 70% of men over 70 report difficulties. Prostate cancer, another cause of incontinence and pain, is the most common type of cancer in men. Radiation, chemotherapy, or an elected prostatectomy can lead to incontinence and bladder irritation. Common signs of prostate dysfunction:

  • A weak or uninterrupted flow of urine
  • Sudden and frequent urination
  • Trouble starting the flow of urine
  • Pain or burning while urinating 
  • Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis

Physical therapy can help:

  • Strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles
  • Incontinence issues of the bowel and bladder system
  • Sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction
  • Pelvic pain
  • General fatigue
  • De-conditioning following cancer treatments
  • Urinary frequency

What to expect from physical therapy for prostate cancer:

  • A physical check of strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the back, pelvis, and hips
  • With consent, an internal exam with a gloved finger to assess whether or not the muscles are weak or in spasm
  • Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor
  • Use of biofeedback to enhance function
  • General strengthening and conditioning
  • Manual techniques
  • Electrical stimulation to retrain the pelvic floor muscles
  • Education on body mechanics to decrease incontinence with activities 
  • Toileting postures and mechanics