Pelvic Floor Exercises for Men

 

Once you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer you will be referred to the physio to be shown how to do pelvic floor exercises.  Research has shown that those men who do pelvic floor exercise pre operatively have experienced less incontinence issues post operatively. Following surgical treatments for prostate cancer, incontinence is usually experienced.  The pelvic floor muscles are required to control urinary continence.  Our male physiotherapists can teach you pre-operative and post-operative pelvic floor exercises to regain control of urinary incontinence.  The physiotherapist will explain how to do the exercise using manual techniques and instruction and even real time ultrasound retraining of these deep muscles to assist you in regaining normal function.

 

What are the Pelvic Floor Muscles?

 

These are a group of muscles which stretch like a hammock from the pubic bone at the front to the coccyx at the back. These muscles support the bladder, urethra and bowel. The muscle sphincters which encircle these openings act as valves to control the flow of urine and faeces.  Usually these muscles act as a group, squeezing and relaxing together. The pelvic floor muscles are always slightly tense and the sphincters are normally closed. When urine is passed, or the bowel opened, the muscle floor relaxes and the sphincter opens. Afterwards the muscles contract again and the sphincters close. Their action at the urethra is like two ‘horse shoes’ with their open ends facing each other which come together to ‘scissor off the hose’ of the urethra.  Pelvic floor muscles are therefore important for urinary continence, faecal continence and sexual enjoyment.

  

What does an appointment involve?

 

A one on one private session will take approximately one hour and partners are welcome.
           
Your Physiotherapist will give you:

• A detailed explanation of the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor.
• Discuss the role of exercise both prior to, and after prostate surgery.
• Instruct and demonstrate pelvic floor exercises.
• Supply you with a handout and exercise program.
• Follow up support throughout your rehabilitation.