Overactive Pelvic Floor

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.

Understanding the Pelvic Floor: What It Is and Why It Matters The pelvic floor is a vital yet often overlooked part of our body. It plays a significant role in supporting several important functions, from bladder control to sexual health. In this blog, we’ll explore what the pelvic floor is, its functions, and why it’s essential for overall well-being. What is the Pelvic Floor? The pelvic floor refers to a group of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that stretch like a hammock across the bottom of the pelvis. It forms the base of the abdomen and supports the bladder, uterus, rectum, and small intestine. Think of it as a supportive structure that holds these organs in place, ensuring that they function properly. These muscles are responsible for several key functions, including: Supporting pelvic organs: The pelvic floor muscles help keep the bladder, uterus, rectum, and small intestine from sagging or shifting. Controlling urination and bowel movements: The pelvic floor muscles help control the release of urine and feces. When the muscles are healthy, they can help you hold and release waste at appropriate times. Sexual health: These muscles play a role in sexual arousal and orgasm. In both men and women, a strong pelvic floor can enhance sexual experience and satisfaction. Childbirth support: In women, the pelvic floor muscles help during childbirth by assisting in the delivery process. Why is the Pelvic Floor Important? The pelvic floor is crucial for maintaining proper function in several areas of life. When these muscles weaken or become damaged, it can lead to a variety of issues, such as: Urinary Incontinence: Weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to difficulty controlling urination, causing leakage, especially when coughing, laughing, or exercising. Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP): If the pelvic floor muscles are too weak to support the pelvic organs, they can slip out of place, leading to conditions like bladder prolapse or uterine prolapse. Constipation: A weak pelvic floor can make it harder to control bowel movements, potentially leading to constipation. Pain During Sex: A tense or weak pelvic floor can cause discomfort or pain during intercourse. Postpartum Recovery: After childbirth, the pelvic floor may be weakened, leading to issues with incontinence or prolapse symptoms. How to Keep Your Pelvic Floor Healthy Maintaining pelvic floor health is essential for both men and women, and there are several ways to strengthen and care for these muscles: Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegel Exercises): Kegels are exercises that target and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. To perform them, simply contract the muscles you would use to stop urination and hold for a few seconds, then release. Regular practice can help improve muscle tone and control. Avoid Straining: Straining during bowel movements or lifting heavy objects can weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Ensure you use proper technique when lifting, and try to prevent constipation by eating fiber-rich foods and drinking plenty of water. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts added pressure on the pelvic floor, so maintaining a healthy weight can reduce strain and prevent weakening of the muscles. Stay Active: Regular exercise, including pelvic floor exercises, helps improve circulation and muscle tone. Yoga and Pilates can also be beneficial in strengthening these muscles. Posture Awareness: Maintaining good posture throughout daily activities can reduce strain on the pelvic floor and support proper muscle function. When to Seek Help If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be time to consult a healthcare provider for an assessment of your pelvic floor health: Uncontrolled leakage of urine or feces A feeling of heaviness or bulging in the pelvic area Pain or discomfort during sex Difficulty with bowel movements Frequent urges to urinate, especially at night At Pelvic Health Melbourne, we can provide personalized exercises and treatment options to address your pelvic floor dysfunction. Conclusion The pelvic floor is a powerful yet delicate system that plays a key role in daily life, from maintaining organ function to supporting sexual health. By understanding its importance and taking steps to strengthen and care for these muscles, you can prevent and manage issues like incontinence, prolapse, and discomfort. Whether through pelvic floor exercises, weight management, or posture awareness, maintaining pelvic health is essential for overall well-being. If you’re experiencing symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, don’t hesitate to contact us —early intervention can make a significant difference in managing these conditions and improving quality of life.

Pelvic pain can be a distressing and often misunderstood condition, affecting both men and women. One lesser-known cause of chronic pelvic pain is pudendal neuralgia, a condition that occurs when the pudendal nerve, which supplies sensation and function to the pelvic area, becomes compressed or irritated. This can lead to debilitating symptoms that impact daily life, from sitting comfortably to engaging in intimate activities. Despite its significant impact, pudendal neuralgia is frequently underdiagnosed. In this blog, we’ll explore what pudendal neuralgia is, its symptoms, potential causes, and how pelvic health physiotherapy can play a crucial role in managing and alleviating symptoms. What is Pudendal Neuralgia? Pudendal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that results from irritation, compression, or damage to the pudendal nerve. This nerve runs from the lower back through the pelvic floor and is responsible for sensation and function in the genitals, perineum, and anus. When compressed or irritated, it can lead to persistent and often severe pain. Common Symptoms of Pudendal Neuralgia Symptoms of pudendal neuralgia can vary from person to person, but common signs include: Burning, stabbing, or aching pain in the pelvic region Pain that worsens when sitting and improves when standing or lying down Numbness, tingling, or a “foreign object” sensation in the rectum or genitals Pain during or after sexual activity Bladder or bowel dysfunction , such as urgency, frequency, or difficulty emptying These symptoms can be frustrating and debilitating, often leading to emotional distress, anxiety, and a decreased quality of life. What Causes Pudendal Neuralgia? There are several potential causes of pudendal neuralgia, including: Prolonged sitting (especially on hard surfaces or during cycling) Pelvic trauma or surgery that affects the nerve Muscle tension or tightness in the pelvic floor Childbirth injuries Nerve entrapment or compression from scar tissue or inflammation Medical conditions such as endometriosis or interstitial cystitis Since pudendal neuralgia can have multiple contributing factors, proper diagnosis by a healthcare professional is essential for effective treatment. How Can Pelvic Health Physiotherapy Help? Pelvic health physiotherapy is a non-invasive and effective approach to managing pudendal neuralgia. A trained pelvic health physiotherapist can assess your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan that may include: Manual Therapy & Myofascial Release – Helps release muscle tension and improve blood flow to the affected area. Pelvic Floor Relaxation Techniques – Since tight pelvic muscles can contribute to nerve irritation, learning how to properly relax these muscles is key. Postural & Movement Retraining – Poor posture or movement patterns can put extra strain on the pudendal nerve. Physiotherapy can help correct these imbalances. Nerve Mobilization & Desensitization Exercises – These gentle techniques help the nerve glide freely and reduce pain. Lifestyle Modifications & Ergonomic Adjustments – Small changes like using a cushioned seat, avoiding prolonged sitting, and modifying certain activities can significantly reduce symptoms. Seeking Help & Finding Relief If you’re struggling with persistent pelvic pain, you’re not alone. Many people suffer in silence due to a lack of awareness and understanding about conditions like pudendal neuralgia. Fortunately, pelvic health physiotherapy can provide significant relief by addressing the root cause of pain and improving function. Don’t let pelvic pain control your life. If you suspect you have pudendal neuralgia, consider consulting a pelvic health physiotherapist to explore treatment options tailored to your needs.