Many people think of pelvic floor dysfunction as a women’s issue, but it can also affect men in many ways. Approximately 16% of men have pelvic floor dysfunction. When men have this condition, they may experience urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, or chronic pelvic pain. However, many men don’t realize their symptoms are related to the pelvic floor and that strengthening this area may alleviate their symptoms.
Fortunately, pelvic floor physical therapy for men may be able to help. Under the guidance of a licensed physical therapist, this treatment may improve pelvic floor health by building strength and reducing discomfort. It may also help enhance your quality of life.
Let’s explore five common issues pelvic floor physical therapy for men can treat and how it works.
1. Urinary incontinence
Approximately 3.4 million men in the United States experience urinary incontinence, which may occur when pelvic muscles become weak or damaged. This condition leads to uncontrollable bladder leaks that interfere with daily life. Pelvic floor physical therapy may help strengthen pelvic floor muscles with targeted exercises. These exercises may include Kegel exercises to help contract these muscles and build strength, which may help improve bladder control and reduce leaks. Over time, these exercises may help make daily tasks easier, so you won’t have to worry about bladder leaks.
2. Erectile dysfunction
This common condition affects millions of men. Weak pelvic floor muscles can make it difficult to achieve and maintain an erection. Fortunately, pelvic floor physical therapy may improve strength and blood flow, which may help enhance sexual function. During this treatment, your physical therapist may guide you through Kegels, squats, or other exercises to help strengthen and improve blood flow to the pelvic floor.
PT addresses muscular and circulatory factors, but it does not replace medical treatment for all causes of erectile dysfunction.
3. Chronic pelvic pain
Chronic pelvic pain may make it more difficult for you to do the things you enjoy. It can affect the lower abdomen, groin, and perineal area (between the scrotum and anus). Muscle tension, nerve irritation, or injury may contribute to this pain. Physical therapy may help identify the source of chronic pain and alleviate it through targeted exercises. A physical therapist can tailor these exercises to help increase your flexibility, ease muscle tension, and improve mobility.
4. Improves athletic performance
Pelvic floor physical therapy exercises may help improve stability, strength, and balance. In this process, it may also help enhance athletic performance. A strong pelvic floor may help prevent injuries like groin strains and ease pelvic pain related to sports. During physical therapy, you may be guided through exercises designed to help increase pelvic floor and core strength. Planks, crunches and squats are examples of exercises that may help build this strength and improve athletic performance. Your physical therapist can recommend effective exercises for you and monitor you to ensure safety.
5. Post-surgical recovery
Prostate removal surgery and hernia repair may weaken pelvic floor muscles. This weakness may cause urinary incontinence, pain, or limited mobility. Pelvic floor physical therapy may help rebuild strength in this area, reducing these symptoms. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises that may help you build strength after your surgery, tailoring treatment to your needs. Your treatment may include making modifications that can help your recovery process. For instance, if heavy lifting causes pain, you may be advised to reduce this type of movement as your body heals from surgery.
How pelvic floor physical therapy for men works
Pelvic floor physical therapy starts with a comprehensive assessment. During this assessment, a licensed physical therapist reviews your medical history and discusses your symptoms with you. You may also have a physical examination, which can help your physical therapist identify the root causes of your symptoms. From there, your therapist can tailor your treatment plan.
This treatment plan may include exercises to help build strength, manual therapy to ease tension, and other physical therapy techniques that may be helpful to you. Your physical therapist may also recommend lifestyle modifications to help prevent your symptoms from worsening. Examples of modifications may include practicing proper lifting to reduce muscle strain or placing common items at waist level to reduce bending.
Find expert support and personalized pelvic floor physical therapy at Forever Fit
Pelvic floor dysfunction can be painful and challenging to deal with. Fortunately, you don’t have to face this condition alone. At Forever Fit, you can work with a licensed physical therapist who may help you improve your pelvic floor health. We can customize a treatment plan to help strengthen your pelvic floor and make your daily life easier.
At Forever Fit, we’re proud to offer pelvic floor physical therapy at our locations in Severna Park, Frederick, and Gaithersburg, Maryland. When you come see us, you can have a safe, effective treatment designed to help improve your pelvic floor health.
Our team is here to help you take control of your body again! Call us today or fill out our online appointment request form to get started.
