All men are at risk of prostate problems and this risk increases with age. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms, seek help today.
What is prostate health?
The prostate is located at the base of the bladder and it helps to maintain continence by reinforcing the bladder and the urethra. You may experience problems urinating normally if your prostate becomes enlarged, which is a common occurrence as you age.
Signs and symptoms?
- Do you frequently have the urge to wee? including overnight?
- Do you have trouble starting or stopping when you urinate?
- Do you feel pain or a burning sensation when you wee?
- Have you seen blood in your urine or semen?
- Are you suffering new erectile dysfunction associated with the changes to your bladder function?
The prostate can enlarge, become inflammated or be a site of cancerous growth.
Common concerns after prostate surgery include?
- Pelvic floor muscle weakness
- Bladder leakage
- Bladder urgency and frequency
- Erectile dysfunction
- Stomach weakness as a result of the operation
- Constipation with decreased movement and pain medication
How can we help?
Physiotherapy help before and after prostate surgery?
Prehab physiotherapy can include:
- Obtaining a baseline for bladder, bowel and erectile health to have something to compare with after surgery
- Teaching how to activate your pelvic floor muscle with confidence and start strength training
- Explaining what to expect for the first few days to a few weeks after surgery
- Providing advice on early catheter and bowel management for the first 7-10 days post-surgery
Rehab physiotherapy can include:
- Review our patients one week after the catheter is removed (usually 2-3 weeks after surgery).
- Check wound healing, track urine loss with pad weight charting and begin a return to exercise and life. Progressing your pelvic floor exercise program as well as a core-based program at 4-6 weeks
- Erectile Rehab can commence at 4-6 weeks for those who are interested, commencing with very gentle stretching, erectile medication and erectile pump therapy, IF indicated.
At all times we are in communication with your medical, surgical and nursing team, working together for your optimal rehabilitation after your prostate surgery.
Related Blogs
Prostate cancer is a significant health concern, particularly for men over 50, arising when abnormal cells in the prostate gland grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia , with over 26,000 cases in 2024 and a lifetime risk of 1 in 6 by age 85 . Early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms, but advanced cases may involve urinary frequency, pain during urination, blood in urine/semen, or bone pain. Risk factors include age, family history (especially BRCA gene mutations), and elevated testosterone levels. How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed? There’s no single test for prostate cancer. Diagnosis usually involves: PSA Blood Test: Measures a protein made by the prostate. High PSA can mean cancer, but also other prostate issues. PSA testing can help catch cancer early, but it’s not perfect-sometimes it leads to unnecessary worry or treatment. Talk to your GP about the pros and cons for you. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) : Your doctor feels the prostate for lumps. This is quick and safe, but not always needed-especially if your PSA is normal. Imaging & Biopsy: If cancer is suspected, scans and a biopsy (removal of a small tissue sample) confirm the diagnosis. Your Role in Care Decisions A prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. At Pelvic Health Melbourne, we encourage you to: Ask questions and take notes. Bring a support person to appointments. Discuss all your options. Your treatment will depend on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, your overall health, and what matters most to you. Options may include: Active surveillance (monitoring the cancer closely) Surgery to remove the prostate Radiation therapy Hormone therapy Chemotherapy or participation in clinical trials Take your time. Most prostate cancers grow slowly. You usually have time to consider, seek a second opinion, and decide what’s right for you. Access support . Emotional and practical support-through family, friends, counsellors, or support groups-can make a big difference. The Importance of Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Physiotherapy is a key part of prostate cancer care-before and after treatment . Our team at Pelvic Health Melbourne works closely with you and your doctors and specialists to help you achieve the best possible recovery. Goals of Physiotherapy in Prostate Cancer Care Restore and Maintain Bladder Control: Regain continence and reduce urinary leakage with targeted pelvic floor muscle training and education. Enhance Pelvic Floor and Sexual Function: Strengthen and retrain pelvic floor muscles to support continence and sexual health, especially after surgery. Reduce and Manage Pain: Ease pelvic or post-surgical pain with evidence-based techniques. Support Physical Recovery: Improve strength, flexibility, and stamina to help you return to daily life. Promote Safe, Effective Exercise: Tailored activity helps manage fatigue and maintain muscle and bone health. Educate and Empower: Learn correct pelvic floor activation, self-management strategies, and lifestyle tips to support your recovery. Support Emotional Well-being: Address psychological impacts and help you return to the activities you value. Prevent and Manage Complications: Reduce risks like falls or bone loss, especially if you’re on hormone therapy. Coordinate Care: We work with your broader medical team and refer to other specialists as needed. What Can You Expect from Pelvic Health Physiotherapy? Faster recovery of bladder control and reduced urinary leakage Improved pelvic floor strength and function, supporting continence and sexual health Reduced pelvic pain and discomfort Better understanding of your body and how to manage symptoms Support in returning to daily activities, work, and exercise Improved confidence and quality of life Early referral to physiotherapy-ideally before surgery-can maximize your recovery. Research shows up to 94% of men regain bladder control within three to six months after prostate surgery with physiotherapy support. At Pelvic Health Melbourne, we’re here to help you take an active role in your prostate cancer journey. If you have questions about pelvic health, continence, or recovery, our team is ready to support you every step of the way. For more information or to book an appointment, contact us today.
Yes! Penis owners have a pelvic floor too.
1 in 10 Australian penis owners suffer from bladder incontinence.
Pelvic floor physical therapy plays a huge role in your prehab and post prostatectomy rehabilitatio n.
Our team
