Prostate surgery, while often necessary for the treatment of conditions such as prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can sometimes lead to challenges in sexual function. Among the various concerns that patients may face post-surgery, issues like erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary incontinence can greatly diminish one’s quality of life and intimate relationships. Pelvic floor physiotherapy in Edmonton offers targeted interventions aimed at restoring sexual function, enhancing urinary control, and improving overall well-being following prostate surgery.
Is it Possible for Men to Regain Sexual Function Following Prostate Surgery Through Physiotherapy?
Yes, men can indeed recover sexual function after prostate surgery with the help of pelvic floor physiotherapy. While prostate surgery, particularly procedures like radical prostatectomy, may lead to occasional or lasting alterations in sexual function, pelvic floor physiotherapy offers a holistic approach to address these challenges.
Here’s how pelvic floor physiotherapy can aid in the recovery of sexual function:
Strengthening Pelvic Floor Muscles:
Pelvic floor exercises, like Kegels, are a central component of pelvic floor physiotherapy. These exercises target the muscles that support the pelvic organs, including those involved in erectile function. Strengthening these muscles can maximize blood flow to the pelvic area and enhance erectile function.
Kegel exercises:
This entails contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. They should sit, stand, or lie comfortably, identify the muscles, squeeze them for 5-10 seconds, relax, and repeat. Increasing duration and intensity gradually helps strengthen the muscles, aiding in the recovery of sexual function after prostate surgery.
Improving Blood Circulation:
Pelvic floor physiotherapy in Edmonton helps improve blood circulation to the pelvic region, which is essential for achieving and maintaining erections. By enhancing blood flow, these techniques can support erectile function recovery.
Manual therapy:
Certain manual therapy techniques performed by a qualified physiotherapist, such as massage or myofascial release, targeting particular muscle groups and alleviating tension, can assist in enhancing blood circulation to the pelvic region.
Or restrictions that may impede blood flow.
- Myofascial release: This technique involves applying sustained pressure to the fascia (connective tissue) surrounding muscles to release tension and improve blood circulation. Myofascial release can focus on particular regions of tightness or restrictions in the pelvic floor muscles, helping to alleviate discomfort and improve overall muscle function.
- Trigger point therapy: Trigger points represent muscle area tightness or “knots” that can contribute to pelvic pain and dysfunction. Manual therapy techniques such as massage or pressure release applied to trigger points can help alleviate pain, minimize muscle tension, and improve blood flow to the pelvic region.
- Soft tissue mobilization: Soft tissue mobilization techniques involve gently manipulating and stretching the muscles and connective tissues of the pelvic floor to promote relaxation, increase flexibility, and improve blood circulation. This can help alleviate muscle stiffness and improve overall pelvic floor function.
Biofeedback:
Biofeedback devices can be used to provide visual or auditory signals associated with pelvic floor muscle activity. By increasing awareness and control over these muscles, biofeedback training can indirectly improve blood circulation to the pelvic region.
Surface electromyography: This involves placing electrodes on the skin overlying the pelvic floor muscles to measure their electrical activity. This data is displayed in real time on a computer screen, helping individuals visualize muscle activity.
Enhancing Nerve Function:
Prostate surgery can sometimes damage nerves critical for sexual function. Male pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on techniques to promote nerve regeneration and function, which can aid in the recovery of erectile function over time.
Electrical stimulation:
Techniques like TENS or IVES involve applying mild electrical currents to pelvic floor muscles or nerves. These impulses stimulate nerve activity, promote blood circulation, and potentially enhance nerve regeneration in the pelvic region, which may improve erectile function over time.
Neuromuscular re-education:
This focuses on retraining pelvic floor nerves and muscles to enhance coordination, responsiveness, and function. Targeted exercises help men improve pelvic floor muscle control and optimize nerve signalling, potentially enhancing erectile function and overall sexual health.
Addressing Pelvic Pain Or Discomfort:
Prostate surgery can sometimes result in pelvic pain or discomfort, which can affect sexual function. Pelvic health physiotherapy can help alleviate these symptoms through techniques such as stretches and relaxation exercises, thereby improving overall sexual well-being.
Stretching exercises:
Gentle stretching exercises for the pelvic floor muscles can help relieve tension and enhance flexibility, reducing pelvic pain or discomfort. These stretches may target specific muscle groups affected by surgery or pelvic floor dysfunction, promoting relaxation and comfort.
- Butterfly stretch: This entails sitting on the floor with the soles of the feet together and knees bent out to the sides. Press the knees down towards the floor while keeping the back straight. Hold for 20-30 seconds to target the inner thighs and pelvic floor muscles, promoting relaxation and flexibility.
Providing Education And Support:
Pelvic floor physiotherapists can educate individuals about the effects of prostate surgery on sexual function and provide guidance on lifestyle modifications, exercises, and strategies to enhance sexual recovery. Emotional support and counselling may also be offered to help individuals navigate any psychological or emotional challenges related to sexual dysfunction after surgery.
Lifestyle modifications:
Recommending lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, stress management techniques, and smoking cessation can contribute to overall health and enhance sexual function after prostate surgery. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which can exacerbate urinary symptoms, may also be advised.
Towards Renewed Intimacy:
Pelvic floor physiotherapy in Edmonton represents a valuable resource in the journey towards restoring sexual function following prostate surgery. While the road to sexual function restoration may vary for each individual, the guidance and support provided by Next Step Physiotherapy in Edmonton offers a path toward renewed intimacy and improved quality of life. By embracing this holistic approach to post-prostate surgery care, men can embark on a journey of healing that extends beyond physical rehabilitation, encompassing emotional well-being and restoring confidence in their sexual health.
Keywords: pelvic floor physiotherapy, pelvic health physiotherapy, pelvic floor physiotherapy Edmonton, male pelvic floor physiotherapy, Next Step Physiotherapy Edmonton
