Pilates for Prostate Health: Rehabilitation After Surgery
Surgery is a common choice for treating prostate cancer, preventing the spread of the disease to other parts of the body.
But removing the prostate comes with several side effects. You’ll likely experience urinary incontinence (i.e., leaking urine) and erectile dysfunction after the operation.
Although symptoms are likely to gradually improve in the first year after surgery, rehabilitation can help to speed up the process or improve outcomes. Physiotherapy is a large part of post-prostate surgery rehab, which strengthens and retrains the pelvic floor and deep core muscles. The right kind of exercise can help the patient recover more quickly after the operation and return to the activities they enjoy.
Men’s health physiotherapy, which deals with post-prostate surgery recovery, often prescribes Pilates based exercises. It is a low-impact exercise that targets the deep muscles supporting posture and movement. Physiotherapists adopt Pilates programmes to accommodate any health or mobility concerns, including the side effects of prostate surgery.
Pilates for Urinary Incontinence
Many men experience urinary incontinence post prostatectomy. Often they leak urine with coughing, sneezing and movements such as standing from a chair, bending and lifting objects. The muscles of the pelvic floor act like a sling that supports the organs within the pelvis, including the bladder and can help to prevent urine leaking when there is a rise in intra-abdominal pressure. When your pelvic floor is strong, you’re able to contract the muscles to prevent or control your urine flow. But when your pelvic floor is weak or your deep core muscles aren’t functioning well, you may not be able to control your urine, so it leaks out.
The pelvic floor is one of the deep core muscles, which is why Pilates is the perfect rehab option for strengthening. Pilates exercises activate your deep muscles, helping you relearn how to contract and relax your pelvic floor and improve breathing to control rises in intra-abdominal pressure. With progressive therapy sessions, you’ll be able to manage your symptoms so you can get back to the activities you enjoy.
Pilates for Erectile Dysfunction
Nearly all men experience erectile dysfunction initially after prostate cancer treatment. The length of time to regain erectile function after surgery can vary and can depends on a number of factors. This side effect of treatment can affect a person’s self-esteem and romantic relationships.
Pelvic floor muscles help sustain blood flow to the penis during an erection, helping to maintain the erection. Therefore, improving pelvic floor muscle function can assist with regaining erectile function.
Erectile dysfunction can also be associated with a number of factors including:
- Age
- Other medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes and certain medications
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking or limited exercise
- Psychological factors including stress, anxiety and depression
Your primary doctor will assess your overall health and consider these factors. They’ll discuss your chances of regaining spontaneous erections after the operation. They are likely to suggest pelvic floor muscle exercises, and because Pilates compliments pelvic floor muscle training, it may help you recover from impotence faster. Other options for regaining erectile function postoperatively include medication and other devices so you can enjoy a healthy sex life.
Other than post-prostatectomy rehabilitation, Pilates also offers many benefits for men’s health. This exercise helps improve your posture, develops neglected muscle groups, and enhances your flexibility and mobility. You can continue doing Pilates even after you’ve recovered from your surgery, boosting your overall health.
Physiotherapy for Men’s Health
NQ Physio Solutions is a trusted provider of physiotherapy and clinical Pilates services. We offer men’s health physiotherapy, focusing on pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation and injury prevention and recovery. Our physiotherapists will help you regain optimal function of your muscles, so you can go back to doing the things you love.
Contact us to know more about pilates, physiotherapy and post-prostate surgery recovery.