Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Specialized Physical Therapists can help with Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence

According to Moul et al, the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence at 3 months after radical prostatectomy is 17 to 54 % and 5 to 38% at 6 months post surgery. A study by McCallum et al reported that gains in continence will occur up to 2 years, but major gains occur in the first 3 months. Physical therapists who specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy can help men accelerate improvement with continence post prostatectomy by providing individualized treatment plans and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.

The pelvic floor muscles attach to the bottom of the pelvis forming a sling or hammock of muscle which support the internal organs. These muscles contract to help stop the flow of urine and gas and assist with normal sexual function.

Physical therapy can help you learn how to properly contract the pelvic floor muscles in order to increase their strength so they function normally. During your therapy, an individualized progressive exercise program for pelvic floor and core strengthening will be given. Education regarding healthy toilet habits, urinary urge control, and fluid intake will also be provided. Biofeedback training and electrical stimulation may be used to achieve better control of continence.

At Fauquier Health Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, our pelvic physical therapy team has completed extensive training in pelvic physical therapy through the American Physical Therapy Association’s section on Women’s Health. Our therapists utilize a variety of techniques as well as education to ensure each patient’s needs are addressed. All pelvic floor treatments are conducted one-on–one in a private setting.
If you feel you may benefit from this service or would like to hear more, please call us at 540-316-2680. Or click on the button below to ask a question.




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