When we think of muscle health, we often picture biceps, core strength, or cardiovascular fitness. However, few men are aware of the importance of their pelvic floor muscles—yes, men have a pelvic floor too! These essential muscles play a crucial role in bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and overall physical comfort.

One pelvic floor issue that is often overlooked is hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction. This condition occurs when the pelvic floor muscles are tight and unable to relax. Because pelvic health is so rarely talked about in men’s health conversations, knowing how to identify and address these issues is vital for long-term wellness.

What is a hypertonic pelvic floor?

The term “hypertonic pelvic floor” refers to a pelvic floor muscle group that is tense and unable to relax fully. Think of it like a clenched fist—if the muscles are contracted all the time, it’s difficult for them to perform their intended functions and may also be painful.

Symptoms of a hypertonic pelvic floor

Hypertonic pelvic floor muscles can manifest in a variety of ways, often affecting different aspects of men’s health and well-being. Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
• Frequent urination or an urgent need to urinate
• Pain in the pelvic area, perineum, or lower back
• Erectile dysfunction or other sexual discomforts
• Constipation
• Muscle spasms or tension in the pelvic region

While these symptoms can overlap with other medical conditions, they often point to pelvic floor dysfunction in men—a health issue that shouldn’t be ignored because it may not get better on its own.

Are men more likely to get hypertonic pelvic floor muscles?

Pelvic floor dysfunction isn’t exclusive to any gender. However, certain factors unique to men can increase their risk of developing a hypertonic pelvic floor.

• Chronic stress – Stress can lead to excessive muscle tension throughout the body, including the pelvic floor. Over time, this can develop into hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction.
• Prostate surgery – Men who undergo surgery for prostate conditions, such as prostate cancer, may experience pelvic floor issues during recovery.
• High-impact activities – Men who engage in high-impact athletics or heavy weight training without proper form may place undue stress on their pelvic floor muscles.
• Posture issues – Poor posture, particularly sitting for extended periods, can negatively impact pelvic alignment and muscle health, increasing the risk of hypertonic pelvic floor muscles.

Pelvic floor treatment and exercises for men

The good news is that, while hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction can be frustrating, it is both treatable and manageable. A combination of targeted exercises and physical therapy can bring relief and restore function.

Some of the holistic treatments we encourage people with hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction to try on their own include:

• Diaphragmatic breathing – helping to regulate the natural rhythmic movement between your diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles
• Pelvic floor stretches – helping to gently lengthen and relax pelvic floor muscles
• Reverse Kegel exercises – using the principles of Kegel exercises to target and relax muscles you don’t often think about working out

Physical therapy for pelvic floor health

Physical therapy is the gold standard for pelvic floor rehabilitation of many types, including for hypertonic pelvic floor muscles. For men who probably haven’t given their pelvic floor a second thought until it becomes an issue, we focus on education and sustainable exercises and relaxation techniques. The specific plan that’s right for your experience of symptoms will be entirely unique to you, which is why we don’t explain it further online.

As you work with a physical therapist, your plan may include regular exercises, stretches, and joint manipulation, among other treatments depending on what you’re interested in. The benefits of these and other pelvic floor treatments often include:

• Less muscle tension
• Improved posture
• Holistic exercise routines
• Ergonomic assessments and recommendations
• Chronic pain relief

At the end of the day, you see a physical therapist because they can take the knowledge of human anatomy and apply it to your specific circumstances, symptoms, and preferences for treatment. Getting this kind of professional help ensures you target the root problem and see lasting results in your overall health.

Take control of your pelvic health today

Pelvic floor health is integral to your overall well-being. By addressing hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction early, men can prevent further discomfort and regain control over their physical health, while learning about their body’s unique capabilities in the process.

At Continuum Wellness in Apache Junction, AZ, we specialize in physical therapy treatments for pelvic rehabilitation and applying it in particular to men’s pelvic health concerns. Learn more about how we might help you relieve your symptoms and enhance your lifestyle by calling our clinic or requesting your appointment online today!