How Physical Therapists Can Support Men in Prostate Cancer Recovery
At Pelvic Path, we are committed to supporting men’s health, especially during their recovery from prostate cancer. As we honor Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we want to highlight how pelvic floor physical therapy can play a crucial role in helping men regain control and improve their quality of life after prostate cancer treatment.
Prostate Cancer and Urinary Incontinence
A radical prostatectomy is the gold standard treatment for prostate cancer. However, one of the most significant side effects following this surgery is urinary incontinence. This happens because the surgery removes both the prostate and the internal urethral sphincter. Urinary incontinence can greatly impact daily life, but pelvic floor physical therapy can help speed up the recovery process.
Research by Dr. Milios et al. (2019) has shown that high-intensity pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) in standing targeting both strength and endurance before and after prostate surgery helps men regain bladder control faster than traditional low-intensity programs.
Prostate Cancer Prehab
Between the time of diagnosis and surgery (often around 5 weeks), men can begin pelvic floor muscle “prehab.” This preparation strengthens the pelvic floor muscles, which serve as a voluntary urethral sphincter after surgery. Pelvic floor physical therapists teach men how to properly engage and contract these muscles, ensuring correct activation in standing positions. This pre-surgery training includes rapid contractions and sustained holds to help reduce leaks during everyday activities like coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
Prostate Cancer Rehab
After surgery and catheter removal, pelvic floor physical therapists guide men through rehabilitation to regain bladder control. This includes continued pelvic floor muscle training and adjustments to daily behaviors. Setting up a voiding schedule, such as urinating every 2 hours in the bathroom, can help establish routine control. Avoiding alcohol is also important until continence is restored since alcohol is a bladder irritant and a laxative. In addition, incorporating cardiovascular exercises like walking can improve blood flow to the area to aid healing.
Summary
Pelvic floor physical therapy provides men with the tools they need to recover more quickly and regain their quality of life after prostate cancer surgery. With guided coaching, men can achieve continence and feel more confident during their recovery.
Citation
Milios, J. E., Ackland, T. R., & Green, D. J. (2019). Pelvic floor muscle training in radical prostatectomy: a randomized controlled trial of the impacts on pelvic floor muscle function and urinary incontinence. BMC urology, 19(1), 116. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12894-019-0546-5