If you’re preparing for a prostatectomy—surgery to remove the prostate gland usually for cancer—you may already be thinking about the recovery. One of the common symptoms following the surgery is reduced bladder control which can mean leakage of urine when coughing or sneezing or something as simple as getting up from a chair. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role both before and after surgery to help you regain bladder control and return to your normal activities sooner. Physiotherapists who work in Men’s Pelvic Health have undergone extra training in this area – both Rebecca and Louise at Total Physiotherapy Manly Vale have done this training.
Why See a Physiotherapist Before Surgery?
Many men don’t realize that prehabilitation—preparing your body ahead of surgery—can make a big difference. Preparing For and Recovering After Prostate Surgery
- Teach you how to correctly contract your pelvic floor muscles. This can be harder to learn after surgery when tissues are healing and sensitivity is reduced.
- Build strength and awareness of the pelvic floor muscles ahead of time, which may help reduce the severity and duration of urinary incontinence after surgery.
- Set realistic expectations about recovery and give you a clear plan for post-operative care.
Research shows that men who begin pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) before prostatectomy often recover urinary control more quickly than those who start afterward.
What to expect from physiotherapy
Whether you are able to attend prior to the surgery or afterwards, at the initial appointment the physio will ask about bladder, bowel and sexual function and any symptoms.
They will explain how the pelvic floor muscles work and why they may not function as well following prostatectomy.
At Total Physiotherapy we use the real time ultrasound machine to assess how we the muscles are working and to help set your programme of pelvic floor muscles exercises.
Pelvic floor muscle exercises will be the mainstay of your treatment.
The physio will guide you in:
- Progressively strengthening the pelvic floor with targeted exercises.
- Breathing and posture techniques to support pelvic function.
- Incorporating pelvic floor exercises with other exercise to get you back to the exercise and hobbies you love – whether that be walking, gardening, golf or more.
Bladder retraining may also be part of your physio management which may include:
- Teaching bladder calming strategies.
- Advising on fluid intake and diet to support bladder health.
Supporting Sexual Health
Erectile function can be affected by surgery, depending on the approach used and your pre-surgery function. While physiotherapy doesn’t replace medical treatments, pelvic floor exercises can be an important part of recovery
Take Charge of Your Recovery
Starting physiotherapy before surgery and continuing afterward can significantly improve your recovery timeline and quality of life. If you’re scheduled for a prostatectomy, make an appointment to see Rebecca or Louise. The right support—at the right time—can make all the difference.
By Louise Henderson
Titled Physiotherapist
B. App. Sc. (Physiotherapy)
Masters of Clinical Physiotherapy (Continence and Women’s Health)
