The Role of Pelvic Floor Therapy for Men

The pelvic floor can oftentimes be overlooked when it comes to men’s health. However, pelvic floor dysfunction can significantly impact a man's quality of life. In this blog, we will explore the wide range of conditions that pelvic floor physical therapists can effectively treat in men, helping them regain optimal pelvic health and overall well-being. We will also discuss what to expect at a pelvic floor therapy appointment.

What is the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that sit in the pelvis like a “hammock”. Both men and women have pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles work for a variety of functions including

• Urinary function: control the starting and stopping of urination, provide continence, support the bladder

• Bowel function: hold back and allow us to have bowel movements

• Sexual function: assist in the process of erection and ejaculation

• Supportive function: work as part of the core system that stabilize the hips, pelvis and back

What is pelvic floor dysfunction?

To function optimally, the muscles of the pelvic floor must contract, relax, and be coordinated, meaning they contract and relax at the proper time. When these muscles are weak or are not doing one of these actions properly, it is often referred to as pelvic floor dysfunction.

Common conditions in men treated in pelvic floor therapy 

1.    Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can be a challenging issue for many men, impacting their self-confidence and intimate relationships. It can arise from many different causes, one being the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a non-invasive approach to address this condition.

2.    Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain in men can stem from various causes, including muscle tension, nerve entrapment, or inflammation. Sometimes it is preceded by an infection or a trauma to the area. Pelvic floor physical therapists employ a combination of therapeutic techniques to restore normal function.

3.    Urinary Dysfunction

Urinary frequency, urgency, hesitancy or incontinence can be caused by the pelvic floor muscles. Sometimes these symptoms are due to a previous infection or surgery and other times can seem to come on out of nowhere. Pelvic floor therapy will help determine the cause and treatment of these symptoms once other medical infections are ruled out.

4.    Chronic Prostatitis

Prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland, can cause discomfort, pain, and urinary difficulties in men. Pelvic floor physical therapists work alongside medical professionals to provide comprehensive care for prostatitis. What can begin as true prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate, can then lead to subsequent dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles and blood flow to the area. Pelvic floor therapists are trained in targeted techniques to reduce the symptoms of “prostatitis”.

5.    Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

After prostate or urological surgeries, men may experience challenges in their recovery such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, bowel dysfunction or pain. Pelvic floor physical therapists specialize in post-surgical rehabilitation to optimize bladder and bowel function.

What to expect in pelvic floor therapy

A pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation typically involves a combination of assessment, education, manual therapy techniques, and exercises tailored to your specific needs. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect during a first visit with a pelvic floor PT:

1. Initial Assessment

At the beginning of your first session, the pelvic floor physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment to gather information about your medical history, symptoms, and concerns. They may ask you questions about your pelvic health, previous treatments, and lifestyle factors. This assessment helps the therapist understand your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

2. Physical Examination

Depending on your specific concerns, the therapist may perform a physical examination of the pelvic region. This examination may involve external and internal assessments, including palpation of muscles and tissues, to assess muscle strength, tone, flexibility, and any areas of tenderness or tightness. The therapist will explain the examination process and ensure your comfort and consent throughout. The therapist will also examine the areas adjacent to the pelvic region such as the low back or hips. They will evaluate your posture and watch you perform functional movements that may be related to your symptoms. This will all help them to determine the ROOT CAUSE of your symptoms.

3. Education and Treatment Plan

Following the assessment, the therapist will provide you with personalized education about your condition and the role of pelvic floor physical therapy in your treatment. They will explain how the pelvic floor muscles function, any dysfunction identified during the assessment, and how therapy can help address your symptoms. They will discuss your treatment goals and develop a customized plan tailored to your needs.

4. Manual Therapy Techniques

Pelvic floor physical therapists often utilize various manual therapy techniques to address muscle imbalances, tension, or weakness in the pelvic floor. These techniques may include internal or external trigger point release, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, or joint mobilization. The therapist will use their hands to apply gentle pressure and movements to specific areas to help relax and restore optimal muscle function.'

5. Therapeutic Exercises

Exercise plays a significant role in pelvic floor physical therapy. The therapist will guide you through specific exercises designed to strengthen, stretch, or relax the pelvic floor muscles. These exercises may include kegel exercises, core strengthening exercises, breathing techniques, and postural exercises. The therapist will provide clear instructions on proper technique and ensure you are performing the exercises correctly.

6. Home Program and Self-Care

To complement the in-clinic sessions, the therapist will typically provide you with a home program consisting of exercises and self-care techniques. They may recommend specific exercises, stretches, or relaxation techniques to be performed at home between sessions. Following the therapist's guidance and consistently practicing your home program will enhance the effectiveness of the therapy and contribute to your progress.

Remember, each pelvic floor physical therapy session is personalized to address your unique concerns. The number of sessions and the frequency of visits will depend on your specific symptoms and treatment goals. Building a trusting relationship with your therapist and maintaining open communication about your progress and any concerns will help optimize your therapy experience.

In Conclusion

Pelvic floor physical therapists are highly skilled professionals who play a vital role in addressing a wide range of conditions that affect men's pelvic health. Whether it's urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, prostatitis, post-surgical rehabilitation, or muscle dysfunction, these therapists offer specialized treatments tailored to each individual’s needs. They can provide the expertise and support necessary to help men regain control of their pelvic health and lead a more fulfilling life.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these conditions, don't hesitate to consult with a pelvic floor physical therapist. The therapists at Pelvic Wellness are highly trained to treat men with pelvic floor dysfunction. If you need assistance finding a specialist trained in male pelvic floor dysfunction, refer to our previous blog post.