Sep 2, 2023
After prostate cancer, men often grapple with urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and other pelvic floor challenges. The significance of pelvic floor rehabilitation is that it can mitigate symptoms after prostate cancer and help you quickly get back to enjoying the activities you love. Whether it's regaining intimacy or achieving better bladder control, getting an early start can set you years ahead on your recovery path.
While it's expected to face new and persistent symptoms, it’s empowering to know that with tailored rehabilitation methods, these challenges can be temporary.
In this special 4-part series featuring Dr. William Mills, PT, DPT and Dr. Susie Gronski, PT, DPT we delve into insights and solutions centered on the treatment and rehabilitation of men's pelvic and sexual health following prostate cancer.
Dr. William Mills, PT, DPT is a physical therapist who specializes in male pelvic rehabilitation, particularly post-prostatectomy and chronic pelvic pain. With a forte in manual therapy and corrective exercises, he enhances outcomes, enabling men to regain urinary control, bowel function, erectile function, and overcome pain. Together with his colleagues at Alinea Performance, he is committed to assisting men of all ages in enhancing their quality of life.
Our episode covers topics including:
00:00 Introduction
00:35 Deciding on radiation or prostatectomy for prostate
cancer
02:01 Urinary incontinence post-prostatectomy
04:26 Sexual function challenges post-prostatectomy
06:04 Viagra and Cialis post-prostatectomy
07:03 Treatment approaches for post-prostatectomy
11:44 Should I go to the doctor for post-prostatectomy
symptoms?
**Delaying Treatment:**
You’re not alone. Many men experience sexual difficulties and
urinary incontinence post prostatectomy. When concerns are not
addressed early on, they may become more difficult to treat as time
goes on, leading to unnecessary long-term suffering and reduced
quality of life. There’s help and there’s hope.
**Prostate Cancer Rehabilitation Options:**
A comprehensive understanding of post-treatment rehabilitation for
prostate cancer is key. While the key decision may feel like
deciding between radiation and prostatectomy, there are many
decisions for after-cancer care.
**Intimacy After Prostate Treatment:**
Some men experience reduced sensation in their penis and erectile
dysfunction, feeling less connected to physical stimuli and their
sexual selves. Nerve injury and diminished blood circulation, which
can be a result of prostate cancer treatment like prostatectomy,
can lead to reduced penis sensation and erectile dysfunction.
Penile vibratory therapy, a penis pump, and medications are just a
few treatment options that can help in improving blood circulation
and erectile function. An individualized approach is
best.
**Urinary Incontinence After Prostate Treatment:**
By addressing bladder habits, such as hydration and reducing
potential bladder irritants, and with functional pelvic floor
exercises, recovery can be expedited and post-treatment symptoms
like incontinence can be mitigated. Proactively seeking knowledge
and tailored rehabilitation strategies enables you to regain
urinary control, greatly enhancing your quality of life outside the
bathroom.
RESOURCES:
Free sex and pelvic pain resources https://drsusieg.com/resources
Online Pelvic Pain Relief Program for Men https://drsusieg.com/pelvic-pain-in-men-online-program
CONNECT WITH DR. WILLIAM MILLS:
Website: www.alineaperformance.com
Instagram and Facebook: docmills.dpt
Twitch: docmillsdpt
CONNECT WITH ME (DR. SUSIE) AND TEAM:
Website: https://drsusieg.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.susieg/
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Disclaimer:
This information is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding treatment, medications/supplements, or any medical diagnoses. This information is intended for educational purposes only and is in no way to substitute the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.
#prostatehealth #prostatecancer #prostatectomy