June is Men’s Health Month, so now is an excellent time to discuss how pelvic floor therapy is crucial for men facing prostate surgery. The removal of the prostate, prostatectomy, is a life-saving procedure in the fight against prostate cancer. However, the surgery can often leave behind challenging side effects, most notably urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. While these issues are overwhelming, they are not a “new normal” you have to accept.
Pelvic floor therapy (PFT) offers a non-invasive, effective path toward recovery and regaining your quality of life. At Flourish, our team of highly skilled therapists has developed a Specialized Prostatectomy Program to help you succeed.
The Role of the Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor is a bowl-shaped group of muscles that support the bladder and bowel. These muscles act like a hammock, controlling the flow of urine and contributing to sexual function. During a prostatectomy, the internal urethral sphincter (which helps keep the bladder closed) is removed. This places the full responsibility for bladder control on the external urethral sphincter and the surrounding pelvic floor muscles.
Why PFT is Essential
Many men are familiar with “Kegels,” but effective rehabilitation goes far beyond simple muscle contractions. At Flourish, we teach evidence-based exercises to reduce and eliminate urinary leakage. You will feel confident returning to your normal activities. We also address the many factors of sexual function and how those things change after this procedure. Sexual health is an important part of life, and our expert therapists are equipped to guide you back to normal functioning.
What to Expect in our Specialized Program
Before surgery, you will meet with one of our therapists for two visits to discuss pre-operative exercises. You will also receive education about the procedure and the immediate post-op period so you can be prepared for success. After surgery, rehabilitation will continue to expand on your exercises, address your specific concerns and goals, and create a post-operative PFT plan so you can get back to feeling like yourself as quickly as possible. We provide a private treatment room for you to work with your specialty trained therapist. Our office is a private and professional environment where you can discuss your concerns and goals without judgement.
Moving Forward
Post-prostatectomy life should be defined by your recovery, not your symptoms. If you find yourself relying on pads or avoiding social activities due to fear of leakage, it is time to consult a pelvic floor therapist. With the right tools and professional guidance, you can transition from “surviving” surgery to truly thriving.
Give our office a call at 812-390-4958 to have your questions answered and get started on your journey today!
