How physical therapy can help with prostate cancer rehab

About one in every seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lives, with many receiving their diagnosis once they are over the age of 65.

Prostrate cancer often means a prostatectomy, which is the surgical removal of all or a portion of the prostate gland. Most of the surgical procedures used for a prostatectomy will use nerve-sparing techniques. These types of techniques help to preserve bladder and erectile function after the surgical procedure.

Because of the location of the nerves on the prostate, there is a chance that men may experience erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence after surgery. This doesn't mean that you have to live with these health issues for the rest of your life, though.

Physical therapy can help resolve erective dysfunction and urinary incontinence quicker and more efficiently. The latest studies demonstrate that the first three months after surgery are essential to preserving erectile function. This is because starting a physical therapy program within the first three months after the prostatectomy helps the nerves receive increased blood flow, helping improve the chance of them healing completely.

So, what does physical therapy for prostate cancer look like? The rehabilitation program includes a physical therapist like myself conducting an evaluation to understand your current condition and pain. During the evaluation, the physical therapist will ask questions around your condition, pain levels and what your goals are for the future.

From there, the physical therapist will develop a program tailored to your needs. Some treatments that may be included:

• Biofeedback for pelvic floor muscle training, which includes your muscles around your prostate, bladder and reproductive organs
• Specific exercises to help strengthen your muscles in and around your abdomen, hips and pelvic floor
• Bladder training techniques
• Re-education of your neuromuscular system to help your nerves heal faster

  

If you have prostate cancer or recently underwent a prostatectomy, contact me to schedule your first appointment to conduct an evaluation.