How Pelvic Floor PT Can Help Your Prostate

Prostatitis is a condition in which the prostate becomes inflamed, and can present with a variety of urinary, bowel, or sexual symptoms. These symptoms can come on quickly due to a bacterial infection or persist for years. There are four different categories of prostatitis, with the most common being category III: Chronic prostatitis/Chronic pelvic pain syndrome. This type of prostatitis generally does not respond well to antibiotics as there is no bacteria present. In this case, musculoskeletal dysfunction can be a major contributing factor. This can often include the pelvic floor muscles which lie within the pelvis and contribute to bowel, bladder, and sexual function. Pelvic floor dysfunction can occur with all types of prostatitis, so it is imperative for men who are experiencing these symptoms to be evaluated by a pelvic floor physical therapist. Many find that following medical intervention, pelvic floor PT is the missing piece to their prostatitis puzzle!

Men with pelvic floor dysfunction can present with a variety of symptoms:

• Bladder dysfunction: urgency and frequency, change in stream, pain with urination
• Bowel dysfunction: constipation, pain with having BM, difficulty emptying
• Sexual dysfunction: ED, pain with intercourse or ejaculation
• Pelvic pain: pain within or around the penis/testicles/rectum

At Atlanta PT, all patients see one therapist for their entire plan of care.  Your therapist will take a complete history of your condition, as well as:

• Assess diet, lifestyle, and your activity level
• Perform a movement screen and external examination
• If appropriate, an internal rectal assessment may be done to look for pain and tightness within the pelvic floor.
  • Depending on the complexity of the history review and the preference of the patient, this may not be done during the first visit. We utilize a very gentle approach to avoid creating any discomfort or anxiety for our patients.

Examples of PT treatments used for prostatitis: 

• Manual therapy to the abdominals, low back, and hip region
• Gentle external and/or internal releases to the pelvic floor
• Relaxation and diaphragmatic breathing exercises
• Postural exercises and stretches
• Biofeedback
• Diet and lifestyle modifications as needed

We understand that it is not always easy to talk about pelvic floor pain and dysfunction. Treatment is always progressed at a comfortable pace that the patient has agreed upon. Men considering pelvic floor physical therapy are encouraged to call and schedule a complementary, 30 minute, in-person consult with a pelvic floor physical therapist to discuss how pelvic floor therapy might help!