Yes. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for post-prostatectomy incontinence. Therapy focuses on proper muscle activation, coordination, breathing, and pressure control—not just strengthening.
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A cancer diagnosis, such as testicular or prostate cancer, often brings unexpected physical challenges alongside the emotional toll. Many men are surprised by persistent side effects of cancer treatment, which commonly include pelvic pain, changes in urinary or bowel function, sexual dysfunction, fatigue, and a loss of physical strength or confidence.
You are not alone. These challenges are far more common than most realize. Our team of specialized pelvic health and oncology physiotherapists deeply understands your experience. We offer expert, respectful, and highly tailored care for men. Our goal is to help you manage and treat the side effects of cancer and its treatments, restore your function, and support your dignified and confident return to daily life.
How does Men’s Reproductive Cancer Rehabilitation work?
Male pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized form of physiotherapy that focuses on the muscles, nerves, and connective tissues of the male pelvic floor (yes – males have pelvic floors too!) Pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that support the bladder and bowel and play a key role in urinary control, bowel function, sexual health, and core stability.
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is commonly recommended as treatment for men with symptoms related to prostate conditions, testicular cancer, pelvic surgery, radiation, chronic pelvic pain, or urinary and sexual dysfunction.
Your initial one-hour, one-on-one assessment with your therapist will involve a review of your medical history, current treatment plan, symptoms, and goals. Following this discussion, an objective exam will be performed, focusing on areas relevant to your symptoms such as the low back, abdomen, hips, pelvis, and lower extremity. Crucially, this includes an evaluation of your pelvic floor muscle function (strength, coordination, and tension).
For male pelvic floor concerns, the gold standard for assessment and treatment involves an internal rectal exam. Be assured that this is only done with your consent and when clinically appropriate.
Treatment at Cornerstone is completely individualized and may incorporate: education, exercises, breathing and core retraining, and hands-on therapy. The goal is to optimize pelvic floor muscle function, whether that means increasing strength, improving coordination, or promoting relaxation. Our specially trained pelvic health and oncology physiotherapists provide respectful, discreet care to help reduce symptoms, restore function, and support your confident return to daily life.
Conditions a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist who treats males can help to address
- Urinary incontinence or urgency
- Post-prostatectomy leakage
- Pelvic pain or testicular pain
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain with ejaculation
- Pre-mature ejaculation
- Bowel control issues or constipation
- Pelvic floor tension or weakness
- Pain after cancer treatment or pelvic surgery
Prostate Cancer Rehabilitation
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. It develops in the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped gland found only in men. The prostate sits below the bladder and surrounds the urethra.
Common Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak or slow urine stream
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Pain or burning with urination
- Blood in urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pelvic, hip, or back pain (in more advanced cases)
Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Treatment of Prostate cancer can vary and will depend on the stage and grade of your cancer. Surgery (removal of the prostate gland) is one option, you might need radiation therapy or hormone therapy (androgen deprivation), Chemotherapy or Immunotherapy.
Side effects of Prostate Cancer Treatment
- Changes in sexual function
- Urinary control problems (leakage or difficulty holding urine)
- Pain
- Fatigue
- Bowel changes (urgency, looseness)
- Digestive issues
How Physiotherapy can help
Pelvic floor physiotherapy will strengthen your pelvic floor (muscles that control urine flow) which improves your bladder control and timing. Therapy can also aid in relaxation of overactive muscles, which helps to relieve pain, reduce urgency, and improve bowel control. Furthermore, it improves blood flow, which can speed up recovery, and assists with muscle coordination.
Testicular Cancer Rehabilitation
While testicular cancer is rare, accounting for only 1-2% of all male cancers, it is the most prevalent cancer in younger males aged 15-19. Crucially, if detected early, this cancer, which originates in the testes but can affect surrounding structures like the bladder, prostate, and seminal vesicles, has an excellent cure rate.
Common Symptoms of Testicular Cancer
Symptoms of testicular cancer are usually subtle. The most common symptoms are:
- A painless lump or swelling in the testicle
- Enlargement or change in shape of a testicle
- Heaviness or fullness in the scrotum
- Other possible symptoms
- Dull ache in the lower back, abdomen, groin, or scrotum
- Sudden fluid collection in the scrotum
- Testicular discomfort or pain (less common)
- Difference in firmness between the testicles
How is Testicular Cancer Treated?
Surgery is the mainstay of testicular cancer treatment.
What are the Side Effects of Testicular Cancer Treatment?
- Decreased libido and/or Erectile Dysfunction
- Shrinking testes and penis
- Hot flashes
- Breast tenderness and growth of breast tissue
- Osteoporosis
- Increased cholesterol
- Depression
- Anemia
- Decreased mental sharpness
- Loss of muscle mass
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
Why would I see a Physiotherapist after testicular cancer treatment?
A pelvic health physiotherapist is equipped to address various issues arising from cancer treatment. They can help with muscle weakness, the management and prevention of lymphedema, improving mobility and pain associated with scar tissue, and managing and reducing cancer-related fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will pelvic floor physiotherapy help with erectile dysfunction?
It can. While pelvic physiotherapy does not replace medical treatments, it can improve blood flow, muscle coordination, nerve function, and pelvic pain, all of which play a role in sexual function after prostate cancer treatment.
Do I need to start pelvic physiotherapy before my prostate surgery?
- Starting before surgery (prehabilitation) can be very beneficial. Learning how to correctly activate and relax the pelvic floor ahead of time often leads to faster and better recovery after treatment.
Is Pelvic Physiotherapy helpful if I had radiation instead of surgery?
Absolutely. Men who receive radiation may experience bladder urgency, bowel changes, pelvic pain, or stiffness. Pelvic physiotherapy can help reduce symptoms, improve mobility, and support long-term pelvic health
What are the risk factors for developing testicular cancer?
- History of cryptorchidism (undescended testicle)
- Family history of testicular cancer
- Personal history of testicular cancer
- Klinefelter’s syndrome
How do I do a self check for testicular cancer?
*** Do 1x/month like breast cancer screen
1) Relax your scrotum: check your testicles just after you’ve had a bath or shower, when the muscles in the scrotum are relaxed, making it easier for you to feel any lumps, growths or tenderness. Stand in front of the mirror. Look for any swelling on the skin of your scrotum
2) Hold’em in your hands and feel the size and weight of each testicle. It is common for one testicle to be larger or hang lower than the other
3) Give’em a roll: feel each testicle and roll it between your thumb and finger. It should feel smooth. It’s normal to feel a soft, tender tube towards the back of each testicle. You shouldn’t feel any pain when checking your testicles
4) Repeat: Once familiar with how your testicles feel, keep an eye out for any changes. If you detect a change, don’t panic; see a doctor as soon as possible
How is Testicular cancer diagnosed?
- Testicular US
- CT scan (to rule out metastases)
- Biopsy
- Tumor Markers (released by proteins on tumor cells)
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What our cancer rehabilitation patients say...
After my radical prostatectomy, I experienced urinary incontinence, a common side effect of this surgery. Under the professional and patient guidance of Celia Chen, a Registered Physiotherapist, I regained full control of urination at night and during the day within 3 months of surgery. I couldn’t be happier with this amazing outcome.
Resources
Our Partner and Additional Resources
How Pelvic Physiotherapy Can Help Erectile Dysfunction: A Complete Guide
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy After Prostate Surgery
Guide to Urinary Incontinence
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Questions? We're happy to help!
Understanding how we can help with you with your condition can be confusing. We’re dedicated to answering any questions you have to help you make the best choice. Contact us today and ask us anything!
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