Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy & Prostate Surgery
Pelvic floor physiotherapy plays an important role in supporting you before and after radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate). This specialised care can help manage and reduce common side effects such as urinary leakage and changes in sexual function, improving overall recovery and quality of life.
Pre-operative Physio
Starting pelvic floor physiotherapy before surgery can improve outcomes after your operation. Pre-operative sessions focus on education and teaching you how to properly activate and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. This preparation can help reduce the severity and duration of post-operative urinary leakage and give you greater confidence going into surgery.
Post-operative Urine Leakage
Urinary leakage after radical prostatectomy is very common, particularly in the first few weeks or months following surgery. This can range from small leaks during movement or coughing to more frequent or unpredictable loss of control. While this is difficult, it’s important to know that leakage is usually temporary and there is help available.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy plays a key role in regaining bladder control. Our pelvic health physiotherapists can assess how your pelvic floor muscles are working and guide you through a personalised exercise program to strengthen and coordinate them. This may include targeted pelvic floor muscle training, bladder retraining strategies, and lifestyle advice to support your recovery.
We also help you understand the impact of fatigue, physical activity, and positioning on leakage, and provide tools to manage symptoms. With consistent support and the right approach, most people experience significant improvements over time, with many returning to full continence.
If you’re struggling with post-operative leakage, you don’t have to manage it alone. Early treatment with pelvic floor physiotherapy can make a meaningful difference to your recovery and overall quality of life.
Post-operative Sexual Function
Changes in erectile function can occur after prostate surgery, but physiotherapy can support recovery in this area too. By improving blood flow, supporting nerve stimulation, pelvic floor muscle strength, and overall pelvic health, physiotherapy can be part of a broader approach to restoring sexual function and confidence after surgery.
