Physical Therapy Can Help Recovering Prostatectomy Patients
Have you recently undergone a prostatectomy? If so, you’re most likely experiencing a plethora of side effects as your body recovers from surgery. It can feel isolating and frustrating to deal with these issues on your own as you search for relief. Did you know that pelvic physical therapy can help?
Many people think that pelvic floor physical therapy is only beneficial to those who are pregnant or experiencing postpartum pelvic pain, however, they aren’t the only ones! Pelvic floor physical therapy is also beneficial for people with prostate conditions who are particularly susceptible to pelvic floor issues such as incontinence and sexual dysfunction, whether it’s from an underlying condition or a recent surgery.
Contact us today at GoodLife Physical Therapy in Homer Glen, Orland Park or Evergreen Park, IL to learn more about how pelvic floor therapy can relieve pain caused by a prostatectomy.
What Does The Pelvic Floor Do?
Everybody has a pelvic floor, but because we can’t see it, it can be a bit difficult to fully understand the purpose it serves. Your pelvic floor is made up of a group of muscles at the bottom of your pelvis and surrounding your genitalia. When these muscles are working properly, they keep the pelvis stable, however, when the body experiences trauma from surgery, painful conditions can be the result.
These muscles support the rectum and bladder, and allow for urination and defecation, as well as prevent leakage of urine or stool. They are also involved in sexual and reproductive processes, so it almost goes without saying that if something falls out of alignment that you’re going to need professional attention from a physical therapist!
How Can Pelvic Floor Therapy Treat Prostatectomy Patients?
Every prostatectomy patient has their own set of needs and goals when it comes to recovery. Our pelvic physical therapists at GoodLife Physical Therapy in Homer Glen, Orland Park and Evergreen Park, IL will conduct a thorough physical examination, assess areas causing you pain, as well as ask you questions about your medical history to make an accurate diagnosis.
After having a prostatectomy, many individuals experience issues with incontinence or feeling the frequent need to urinate. A pelvic physical therapist can help with this condition!
Your physical therapist here at GoodLife Physical Therapy will conduct a thorough exam of your body and will also want to know what movements and pressure levels increase or decrease your pain. He or she might ask if there are activities you cannot do without experiencing discomfort.
After your initial physical exam, they will develop a specialized treatment plan for your recovery so that you can relieve your symptoms and prevent recurring dysfunction. This treatment plan may involve several components. Common pelvic physical therapy treatments for someone recovering from a prostatectomy may include:
There are many ways your therapist can choose to treat your specific condition, and they will make sure you understand what’s going on every step of the way.
Contact Our Clinic For More Information
If you’re struggling with incontinence or pelvic pain after undergoing a prostatectomy, physical therapy could be your best option. Your physical therapist will be able to teach you multiple exercises you can do at home to continue making progress with your treatment outside of the clinic. The ultimate goal with pelvic physical therapy is to make sure you can return to your normal routine after your surgery. Contact GoodLife Physical Therapy in Homer Glen, Orland Park or Evergreen Park, IL today for more information on pelvic floor physical therapy and how it can relieve your pain following a prostatectomy.
