According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. However, patients don’t always experience the same symptoms in recovery. It all depends on their health, the type of treatment received and a host of other factors.
Forever Fit provides comprehensive and compassionate physical therapy for prostate cancer patients. In this article, we’ll explore some of the treatments your PT may prescribe and how they support your health journey.
Physical therapy for prostate cancer patients
Your body’s muscles need to be strong and flexible to work their best. After prostate surgery, certain treatments and exercises can help bring your pelvic floor muscles and others back online — this is why physical therapy is so important. Licensed practitioners trained in men’s health can help you strengthen the key muscles that can alleviate common symptoms and support a smoother recovery.
Your physical therapy treatment plan will be unique to you. As part of your rehabilitation program, your physical therapist may recommend several methods, such as:
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Bladder training
Bladder training is designed to help with urinary incontinence. After prostate cancer treatment, you may experience some bladder leaks, a sudden urge to urinate at times and other issues. Bladder training typically involves emptying your bladder on a set schedule. The goal is to increase the amount of time between trips to the bathroom, so you can achieve a more normal routine again.
If you’re using a catheter, you may need to use a clamp to prevent emptying and help your bladder increase its capacity.
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Penile rehabilitation
To address sexual dysfunction, your PT may recommend penile rehabilitation. Some prostate cancer patients may experience erectile dysfunction (ED), reduced sensation or climacturia (involuntary urine leakage during orgasm). Others may notice a change in penis size.
Penile rehabilitation may involve a combination of treatments and exercises. For example, your PT may recommend using a vacuum erectile device (VED). Using negative pressure, this device helps increase blood flow to the area, which supports erectile function.
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Biofeedback testing
Biofeedback is another helpful tool physical therapists may use during prostate cancer rehabilitation. This diagnostic testing helps ensure your pelvic floor muscles are contracting and relaxing properly. Physical therapists often use it to measure muscle strength, coordination, endurance and rapid response. Using the results, your PT can monitor your progression and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
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Core and pelvic floor muscle strengthening
During pelvic rehabilitation exercises, you’ll engage more than just your pelvic floor. Your core is also an important part of this system. Some people also exhibit poor posture post-surgery, so a strong core can help reduce the likelihood of residual lower back and hip pain. Your physical therapist will teach you how to do specific exercises that help strengthen your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles.
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Breathwork, coordination and abdominal pressure management
Your diaphragm and pelvic floor work together. Practicing proper breathing techniques and muscle coordination can positively affect your pelvic muscles and relieve tension. For instance, your physical therapist may recommend practicing deep, intentional belly breaths (diaphragmatic breathing) to help support a stronger core and posture.
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Soft tissue mobilization and fascial gliding
Manual therapy may also help address pelvic pain. Using this hands-on approach, your physical therapist can massage and stretch tight or restrictive tissues. This helps release muscle tension and increase flexibility, so your pelvic floor can support your body more effectively.
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A bowel program for postoperative constipation
Bowel dysfunction is a side effect some patients experience from prostate cancer treatment. Constipation can put pressure on your bladder, which could be contributing to any bladder problems you’re also experiencing. In this case, your physical therapist will focus on the muscular issues that could be preventing healthy bowel movements.
How to prepare for prostate cancer recovery
It’s helpful to begin preparing as early as possible. Start preparing well before you start cancer treatment or go into surgery. Many physical therapists prefer to meet with their patients ahead of time through dedicated “prehab” sessions, where they’ll discuss the key components of care. During these appointments, you’ll learn:
- Basic pelvic anatomy and how your bladder, bowels and core work together
- What may change for you after surgery
- Proper kegel techniques to activate and relax your pelvic floor
- How to manage abdominal pressure through breathwork and movement
Working with your physical therapist ahead of time also helps avoid confusion down the road. You’ll wake up from surgery with a clear, informed mindset, helping you feel more confident and ready to begin the next phase of care.
Receive physical therapy for prostate cancer at Forever Fit
You don’t have to recover from prostate cancer alone. Let Forever Fit guide you every step of the way. Serving patients in Downtown Silver Spring, Severna Park, Columbia and Bowie, Maryland, and other locations, we’re here to help you move freely and live fully with therapy for prostate cancer. Give us a call today or fill out our appointment request form to schedule a consultation with our team.
