Physiotherapy after Prostate Surgery
A prostatectomy is a procedure performed to remove all or part of the prostate as a treatment for prostate cancer. It is performed to significantly reduce the symptoms associated with enlargement of the prostate and to treat cancer.
A prostatectomy can be performed by making a large incision in the abdomen or between the testicles and the anus (radical prostatectomy) or a laparoscopic prostatectomy (keyhole). Both procedures aim to remove the prostate and surrounding tissue. However, there are often issues after this surgery such as urinary incontinence, poor sexual function, and pain. Depending on the severity of the patient’s surgery this will determine how much physiotherapy they will need.
Physiotherapy is recommended to all patients who have a prostatectomy. Its main goals are to minimise pain, reduce urinary incontinence, regain sexual function, reduce bowel problems, improve muscle strength and endurance, improving cardiovascular fitness and re-establishing function and independence. Even if you feel you are doing fine post op it is important to get assessed to ensure your pelvic floor is functioning well.
Physiotherapy consists of:
Strengthening exercises for the pelvic floor
Strengthening abdominal and deep core muscles
Bladder training to help return the bladder to normal function and to retrain any bad habits adopted while the prostate was enlarged.
Biofeedback training to show how well your pelvic floor is functioning.
Electrical stimulation to improve muscle function if there is a weakness issue.
Guidance through a home exercise programme for your pelvic floor
Advice and education how to control pelvic floor during coughing sneezing or laughing
Breathing control and relaxation exercises for the pelvic floor
Advice on comfortable positioning
Advice on regaining sexual function which is often a full MDT approach including meds, stimulation (such as vacuum erection devices) and psychological intervention.
Physiotherapy can have a large impact on the quality of life of a man after a prostatectomy however, the success of your physiotherapy and post op outcomes is very much determined on whether you partake and do your exercises diligently.
If you have any questions or queries about physiotherapy after a prostatectomy you can contact our men’s health specialist Aileen who will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Men’s Health Clinic
Here at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic we have years of experience in helping men through a range of different health issues.