Did you know? Men too can do Kegel contractions!
All kidding aside, I’m so excited that Michelle is giving me the opportunity to explore the concept of men’s health. Men with pain, incontinence, urinary urgency & other pelvic dysfunctions benefit from physical therapy in so many profound ways. While women’s health has deservedly been elevated as a specialty in physical therapy for decades, the concept of men’s pelvic health is still relatively new in many medical communities.
Many of my patients arrive at the clinic thoroughly confused about what pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) can do for their pelvic conditions. One patient had experienced 14 years of incontinence after a prostatectomy. Through a combination of education, instruction in the correct way to recruit and relax the pelvic floor, & manual therapy, this guy progressed quickly! We focused on the entire abdomen, from diaphragm to the pelvic floor. He needed to decrease straining during functional tasks such as transfers & lifting, as well as “make friends” with his pelvic floor muscles again. After only two visits this patient went from using eight absorbent pads per day to ZERO!
Patients with incontinence usually respond well to PFPT. However, a significant portion of my caseload includes pelvic pain. It is not unusual for these men to have deep abdominal, testicular, or penile pain that lasts from hours to months. These cases are often more challenging, can be very rewarding for both client & PT! One patient was bed-bound for hours after any strenuous physical labor. With therapy he began to understand how the pelvic floor muscles are just like our biceps or quads: they get tired, feel strain, can be weak, like massages, & require some practice to recruit efficiently.
These patients also respond well to Pain Neuroscience Education which helps them understand that pain is an alarm system triggered by the brain, & that pain is actually a very poor indicator of tissue damage. The bed-bound patient was discharged from PFPT with much improved symptoms. Most importantly, however, he had a plan of action if his pain returned & a better understanding of the origin of his pain. This decreased his fear of the symptoms & allowed for improved ability to participate in life activities. We all know it is important to get moving!
Aerobic activity, keeping a healthy weight, finding ways to decrease stress, & eating a healthy diet are all important in decreasing pelvic floor pain. Yet notice how that list of health priorities could easily describe treatments for the typical orthopedic PT population? One way I try to spread the concept of men’s pelvic health is to listen to my daily patients! Physical therapists have unique relationships with our patients; many of my PFPT patients self-referred after I picked up on offhand comments in treatment sessions. A brief discussion of PFPT could make a big difference in patient’s lives. Likewise, reaching out to a pelvic floor PT could make a big difference to someone struggling with pain or incontinence.
Pelvic pain & dysfunction effects both men & women. Although PFPT represents only a small part of orthopedic rehabilitation, physical therapists can play a unique role in restoring function & normalcy to these patients’ lives. Using public, patient & provider education, we can also help lower the stigma that surrounds pelvic pain & dysfunction!
For more info about Brian and/or physical therapy options which might benefit you, please email or call him at 208.888.7765.