Pre and Post-Prostate Cancer Surgery: How Pelvic Floor Physio Can Aid Recovery
Prostate cancer surgery, such as a prostatectomy, is often a necessary step in treating prostate cancer, but it can come with some challenging side effects. Many men experience issues like incontinence and erectile dysfunction following surgery. At Peak Flo Physio, located in Coolangatta, QLD, we specialize in pelvic floor physiotherapy, helping men prepare for surgery and recover more effectively afterward. By addressing pelvic floor muscle strength before and after surgery, we can significantly improve bladder control, sexual function, and overall quality of life.
The Impact of Prostate Cancer Surgery
A prostatectomy, or removal of the prostate gland, is a common treatment for prostate cancer. While effective in treating the disease, it can affect the surrounding nerves and muscles, leading to complications such as:
• Urinary incontinence: Loss of bladder control is a common side effect, often due to weakened pelvic floor muscles or nerve damage during surgery.
• Erectile dysfunction: Surgery can disrupt the nerves responsible for erections, making it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.
• Pelvic pain or discomfort: Post-surgical healing can cause discomfort or tightness in the pelvic region.
Fortunately, pelvic floor physiotherapy is a proven way to manage and reduce these side effects.
How Peak Flo Physio Can Help Before and After Prostate Surgery
At Peak Flo Physio, we take a comprehensive approach to your care, offering tailored pre- and post-operative physiotherapy to ensure you achieve the best possible outcomes after prostate surgery. Here’s how we can help:
1. Pre-Surgery Pelvic Floor Preparation
Preparing your pelvic floor muscles before surgery can make a significant difference in your recovery. We provide pelvic floor muscle training to strengthen these important muscles, which can help you regain bladder control more quickly after surgery.
Our physiotherapists will teach you how to correctly activate and engage your pelvic floor muscles, ensuring you’re in the best possible shape before surgery. This can minimize complications like incontinence and make your post-surgery recovery smoother.
2. Post-Surgery Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
After prostate surgery, your pelvic floor muscles may be weakened or affected by nerve damage. Post-surgical pelvic floor rehabilitation focuses on rebuilding muscle strength and coordination to restore bladder and bowel control. We guide you through personalized pelvic floor exercises that help improve your continence and support overall recovery.
3. Real-Time Ultrasound for Muscle Assessment
At Peak Flo Physio, we use real-time ultrasound to assess your pelvic floor function both before and after surgery. This non-invasive technology allows us to visually monitor your muscles in action, ensuring you’re performing exercises correctly and tracking your progress throughout your rehabilitation.
4. Bladder Retraining
For men struggling with urinary incontinence post-surgery, we offer bladder retraining programs. This involves gradually increasing the time between bathroom trips and strengthening your pelvic floor muscles to regain control over bladder function. We’ll also provide advice on hydration, fluid management, and techniques to reduce leakage.
5. Post-Surgical Erectile Dysfunction Support
Erectile dysfunction is a common concern after prostate surgery, but it’s not something you have to accept as permanent. At Peak Flo Physio, we focus on pelvic floor exercises that enhance blood flow and help restore erectile function over time. We also provide guidance on lifestyle changes and stress management techniques to support your sexual health during recovery.
Begin Your Recovery Journey with Peak Flo Physio
Whether you're preparing for prostate cancer surgery or navigating recovery afterward, Peak Flo Physio can help you regain control, improve your pelvic health, and enhance your quality of life. Our evidence-based physiotherapy treatments are tailored to your individual needs, ensuring you receive the best care possible.
Contact us today to book your pre- or post-surgery pelvic floor appointment and take the next step towards a smoother recovery.
