In addition to providing regular physiotherapy for sore backs, necks, sports and work related musculoskeletal injuries, specially trained Pelvic Floor Physiotherapists can assist men with incontinence problems both bladder and bowel, chronic constipation, erectile dysfunction and pelvic pain.

 

The pelvic floor provides support for the internal pelvic organs: the bladder and the bowel. The floor of the pelvis is made up of layers of muscle and other tissues. These muscles stretch like a hammock from the tail bone at the back to the pubic bone at the front.

The pelvic floor muscles play an important role in bladder and bowel control. Most of the time, we use these muscles without being too aware of them. However when problems exist it is often difficult for men to correctly identify where their pelvic floor is and to be able to contract the muscle in isolation.

Pelvic Floor muscles can be weakened or affected by:

 

Pelvic floor exercises help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve support and control of the bladder and the bowel. These exercises may be used in conjunction with an individualized bladder training program to improve bladder control in people who experience urge incontinence (the urgent need to pass urine). Advice is given regarding all factors which can affect pelvic floor conditions.

Prostate cancer is Australia’s most commonly diagnosed cancer .Treatment for prostate cancer may involve the surgical removal of the prostate gland. Unfortunately most men following this surgery will find themselves with little or no bladder control. Wearing pads will usually be necessary.

 

The good news is that for most men will regain bladder control over the next 6-12 months. Pelvic floor exercises have been shown to effective improving bladder control and assisting men to regain control sooner over this most distressing condition. Seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist prior to your operation is particularly effective so that you can learn how to correctly contract your pelvic floor while you are pain free. After your procedure it is important to follow up approximately 1 week to 10 days after the removal of the catheter to ensure that you are exercising appropriately. You will be followed up based on your needs either, in person, by phone or email to ensure your continued progress.