Men's Pelvic Health

Chronic constipation is a common problem that affects many people. It is characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. This can lead to a range of symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, pain with defecation and often can result in straining, which sometimes leads to haemorrhoids .

One possible cause of chronic constipation is pelvic floor muscle paradoxical contraction. The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that support the pelvic organs and control the sphincters that open and close the anus and urethra. These muscles need to relax in order for the bowel to empty and stool to pass. However, in some people, these muscles may contract instead of relax, which can make it difficult to empty the bowel.

Pelvic floor muscle paradoxical contraction can be caused by a variety of factors, such as chronic muscle tension, nerve damage, or previous surgery.

Faecal incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements, leading to the unintentional passing of stool or gas. It can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, causing embarrassment, social isolation, and depression. There are many possible causes of faecal incontinence, including muscle or nerve damage, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain surgeries. 

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Pelvic floor physiotherapy is method of conservative management for faecal incontinence, sometimes surgical options are required by your Colorectal Specialist.

 

A pelvic floor physiotherapist will assess the strength and tone of the pelvic floor muscles through a rectal examination, and develop a specific treatment program to improve muscle tone and control. This may include strength or endurance exercises for anal sphincter and pelvic floor muscles,  in addition to lifestyle or dietary modification and functional retraining of bowel habits.

Urinary leakage from the bladder, known as urinary incontinence, is a prevalent occurrence after undergoing a radical prostatectomy, a surgery for treating prostate cancer. Our team of pelvic health physiotherapists collaborates closely with your urologist and general practitioner to effectively address any issues with urinary incontinence that you might be encountering. Research has firmly established that engaging in pelvic floor muscle training substantially enhances bladder management and expedites the restoration of normal urinary function after prostatectomy, especially when compared to not undergoing any training.

Just as individuals participate in preoperative physiotherapy to prepare for surgeries involving the knees, hips, or back, engaging in pelvic floor muscle training is imperative to optimize the function of pelvic floor muscles, ensuring excellent coordination, strength, and overall conditioning pre and post-operation.