Men aren’t usually the target demographic for conversations about pelvic health, and rightly so: we will never go through the intense and sudden changes that women who give birth do. But that doesn’t mean men should ignore the pelvic floor entirely, since it can be the cause of several confusing, embarrassing, and frustrating problems with your overall health.
Pelvic floor physical therapy for men is proving to be a breakthrough treatment for a range of uncomfortable conditions as well as for enhancing certain aspects of your health that may be sub-optimal. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, bladder dysfunction, or challenges in sexual health, this specialized therapy could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Controlling specific conditions
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, tendons, and ligaments located between the tailbone and the pubic bone. It supports vital organs, including the bladder, rectum, and prostate in men. When these muscles don’t work as they should—whether due to weakness, dysfunction, or lack of coordination—they can cause issues that are annoying or even debilitating.
Pelvic floor therapy is critical in addressing several specific dysfunctions and conditions in men. Here’s how it can help tackle common challenges faced by many.
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Difficulty maintaining an erection can be both frustrating and disheartening. Surprisingly, pelvic floor dysfunction can be a contributing factor to ED. Strengthening and properly coordinating these muscles can improve blood flow and pelvic stability, which are essential for healthy sexual function.
Rather than relying on a pill, pelvic floor therapy may be able to help alleviate the worst symptoms of ED naturally.
Chronic pelvic pain
Chronic pelvic pain is one of the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed conditions for men. This is at least partly due to the fact that the pain may not always be isolated to the pelvic region—it can refer to other areas, such as the lower back, hips, or thighs. Pelvic floor therapy helps identify and alleviate muscle dysfunction, reducing pain and restoring balance to the area.
Bowel dysfunction
Constipation, incomplete bowel movements, or difficulty holding bowel movements in can stem from pelvic floor issues. Therapy focuses on retraining these muscles, which improves control and addresses the discomfort associated with bowel dysfunction.
Bladder problems
While incontinence is often thought of as a women’s health issue, it affects men too—especially after prostate surgery or with advanced age. Increased urgency to urinate or difficulty controlling the bladder can impact daily life and confidence. Pelvic floor physical therapy can enhance muscle control, providing long-term improvement for bladder-related problems.
Fewer spasms
For men dealing with muscle spasms throughout the pelvis, physical therapy offers relief through relaxation and retraining techniques. Reducing spasms can significantly improve comfort and mobility.
Enhancing overall wellness
Pelvic floor therapy isn’t just for those dealing with specific conditions. It also offers broader benefits that promote overall health and wellness, especially as men age and/or become less physically active over time.
Sexual health
Beyond addressing erectile dysfunction if that’s an issue, pelvic floor therapy supports better blood flow, coordination, and overall function of the pelvic muscles. This can lead to improved sexual performance and increased confidence.
Post-surgery recovery
Surgery, especially procedures involving the prostate or lower abdomen, can weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic physical therapy helps rebuild strength, speed up recovery, and minimize complications following surgery.
Core stability
The pelvic floor is deeply connected to the core muscles and diaphragm to provide stability and support for your abdomen and base of your torso. Addressing dysfunction with these muscles and enhancing the coordination with your pelvic floor may help you to reduce symptoms like back pain and enhance posture and balance, making everyday movements more comfortable.
Don’t overlook your pelvic health
Pelvic floor therapy is a powerful and accessible solution for men struggling with pain, discomfort, or health challenges in their day-to-day lives. Whether you’re seeking relief from a specific condition or simply aiming to optimize your well-being, this therapy can make a meaningful difference.
To learn more about what pelvic floor therapy is and whether your health concerns might benefit, give one of our New Orleans clinics a call or request an appointment to talk to a pelvic health specialist today.
