Male Pelvic Health Physiotherapy
What does a Male Health Physiotherapist do and how may they help me?
Written By – Mark Dunford
It is interesting to work in this area of expertise exploring the multiple facets that exist within male pelvic pathology. Here at PhysioSpace I take the time to listen, synthesise information and use clinical skills to unravel the complexity of such conditions with the goal of improving quality of life.
Pelvic Physiotherapy is commonplace and has been for many years but maybe not so in the male population. Why is this? Well firstly women have the added role in life of pregnancy and child birth which comes with its own complications from a pelvic function perspective. Additionally men are a lot less likely to discuss their problems especially when it comes to sensitive issues such as problems in the pelvic area. It is only when men take the time and confidence to sit down and discuss their condition that the process of rehabilitation can begin. Of course, Physiotherapy does not, and cannot, help everyone but many men experience improvements in their condition and in some cases life changing outcomes.
Men presenting in my clinic may describe symptoms of a wide variety of presentations and frequently they display combinations of the list below:
- Urinary or faecal incontinence – both stress and urgency related
- Pre and Post Prostate Cancer Pelvic Floor training
- Post prostate surgery incontinence
- Pelvic pain to the pelvis, hip, scrotum, perineum, penis or anus
- Pudendal nerve pain (Pudendal neuralgia)
- Erectile dysfunction / Premature ejaculation
- Frequent urination including overnight
- Pyeronie’s disease (curvature of the penis)
- Painful urination and/or ejaculation
Taking this into account what can be done to help men with these problems? Well as already stated I ensure that on your first appointment an hour is allocated to allow time for a thorough history to be taken and understand how your life has been affected. History taking is vital in musculoskeletal assessment and a great emphasis is placed on this in clinic. Following this, an examination will be performed with consent both looking at the external influencing factors such as joints and muscles around the back, hip, and further afield as well as an internal rectal examination, with written consent, where required. Following this a treatment plan will be formulated which may include, pelvic floor training / down-training; manual therapy to the muscles and joints as well as internal manual therapy where indicated; self-help work through relaxation and breathing control; exercise rehabilitation.
I understand that a lot of the information discussed can be sensitive and the requirements of the examination are unique but it is my passion to provide a service that strives to improve the quality of life and function of men with pelvic pathology. It is not always possible to help everyone and appropriate information for referral to other specialists will be provided where required. What is necessary is that an environment is provided for you to discuss ‘man stuff’ with a man. I actively encourage this in my clinic in order to help understand your condition and how it is impacting your life in many spheres.
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Our highly qualified specialist Mark Dunford offers a discreet, professional and confidential service to help you get back on track. Either give us a call on 02920214067 or contact us here and we will get back to you straight away.
