Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for Men: Improving Urinary and Sexual Health

Most people, when asked about pelvic floor physiotherapy, think of it as a therapy for women.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy, known also as PFPT, offers a number of benefits for men, especially when dealing with bladder or sexual health problems.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy in Newmarket is offered by several clinics. Wellness Place is one of them. We work with men to help them regain control of their bodies and feel better in their daily lives.

What is the pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues that support important body parts like the bladder, intestines. Excessive tenseness or weakness of these muscles often lead to urine leaks, pelvic pain, and trouble getting or keeping an erection.

Common Pelvic Floor Issues in Men

Problems with pelvic floor muscles can manifest in many ways but here are four most common groups of symptoms:

• Urinary incontinence – weakness in pelvic muscles causes uncontrolled urine leakage.
• Chronic pelvic pain due to pelvic muscle tension or spasms.
• Erectile dysfunction as a result of weakness of pelvic muscles that are involved in achieving and maintaining erections. (reference).
• Post-prostate surgery issues – After prostate removal, many men experience urinary and sexual difficulties due to weakened pelvic muscles.

How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Can Help

Pelvic floor physiotherapy helps by providing exercises to strengthen and relax pelvic muscles. Here are the key components of pelvic floor physiotherapy for men:

1. Targeted Exercises for Strength and Relaxation

• Kegel Exercises: Strengthening exercises that help control bladder and sexual function. Many men do them incorrectly, so a therapist will guide you in engaging the right muscles.
• Relaxation Techniques: For men with tight or overactive pelvic floor muscles, learning to relax these muscles is crucial. Techniques include:
• Deep Breathing (Belly Breathing): Helps relax the pelvic floor by promoting better muscle coordination.
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tensing and releasing muscles throughout the body to ease overall tension.
• Stretching: Gentle stretches for the hips, lower back, and inner thighs help release tightness.
• Down Training: Focuses on loosening overactive pelvic muscles.

2. Hands-On Therapy (Manual Therapy)

• Myofascial Release: Gentle pressure applied to tense areas to relieve stiffness and improve movement.
• Trigger Point Release: Pressing on tight muscle knots to reduce pain and restore function.
• Connective Tissue Work: Improving flexibility in the tissues surrounding muscles and organs.
• Joint Mobilization: Gentle movements to improve flexibility in the hips, pelvis, and lower back.

3. Biofeedback for Better Muscle Control

Biofeedback uses sensors placed on the skin (or sometimes internally) to show real-time muscle activity. This helps men learn how to properly engage or relax pelvic floor muscles. The feedback can be visual (graphs on a screen) or auditory (sounds that change with muscle movement).

4. Education and Lifestyle Changes

• Bladder & Bowel Retraining: Techniques to manage urgency, frequency, and bowel habits.
• Diet & Hydration Guidance: Understanding how food and drink affect bladder and bowel function.
• Posture & Movement Training: Learning better posture to reduce pelvic floor strain.
• Pain Management Strategies: Tips like relaxation, heat/ice, and adjusting daily activities to reduce discomfort.
• Ergonomics: Making small changes to workspaces or routines to ease strain on the pelvic floor.

5. Electrical Stimulation (If Needed)

In some cases, gentle electrical stimulation may be used to activate weak pelvic floor muscles or calm overactive ones. This is usually combined with other therapies for the best results.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a highly effective way for men to regain control over their bladder, reduce pain, and improve sexual function. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, seeking treatment can help you feel more confident and comfortable in daily life.

What the Research Says

Studies show that PFPT is effective for men’s pelvic health issues. Research highlights the importance of pelvic floor muscle training in treating sexual dysfunction and post-surgical recovery (reference). Another study confirms that physiotherapy can improve pelvic function and reduce symptoms (reference).

What to Expect During a Physiotherapy Session

When you visit a PFPT specialist, the process typically includes:

Assessment – A detailed discussion of symptoms and a physical evaluation.

Treatment plan – Personalized exercises and manual therapy to improve muscle function.

Biofeedback – Devices may be used to monitor muscle activity and guide exercises.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a highly effective treatment for men experiencing urinary and sexual health issues. If you are struggling with these problems, seeking help from a specialized Pelvic floor physiotherapy clinic in Newmarket can make a significant difference in your daily life.