The air is getting crisp, leaves are in full color, and the holiday season is just around the corner; we are well into the swing of things this November.
Each November, we turn our attention to “Movember.” Movember calls attention to mens’ health issues including prostate cancer.
While things are slowly improving, a quick pelvic health search will bring up a very female-centric list of results.
In reality, we treat all genders. Everyone has a pelvic floor and can use a little help sometimes.
So this month let’s give a little attention to the survivors of prostate cancer out there.
Robotic prostatectomy saves lives, but following surgery many individuals go on to experience pelvic floor dysfunction like incontinence, erectile dysfunction, or urinary urgency/frequency.
Here are 4 steps you can take to optimize your recovery after prostatectomy
1. Take a minute to breathe
You’ve gone through a lot; your body is resilient. Take the time to breathe and recover and then pay some attention to that breath.
Get in the habit of exhaling on exertion. This will help decrease pressure on your pelvic floor. Whether it’s lifting a bag of groceries or getting up from a chair, take care to exhale as you lift or stand.
2. Dress for comfort
Many of us are working from home, sweats and joggers are WFH appropriate attire.
Comfortable waist bands will help you avoid sucking your belly in, which increases downward pressure on your pelvic floor which can make leakage worse.
3. Manage constipation
You’re entitled to a little treat here and there while recovery, but don’t skimp on the fiber.
Keep stool soft to ensure you’re not straining and stressing your pelvic floor.
Backed up stool can also increase pressure on your bladder and worsen incontinence, urinary urgency, and frequency
4. Pelvic floor physical therapy
We had to throw this one in of course! In pelvic PT we will look at all of the things listed above as well as your pelvic floor muscle strength, endurance, and coordination.
Painful scars? We can get those moving too.
Years since surgery? That’s okay. You can still benefit from working with a pelvic health specialist.
Even better, come in for prehab. Your physical therapist can help you formulate a recovery plan to get you feeling better and doing what you want to do faster.
Interested in learning more? Give us a call at 914 831 9575.
Want to know what your first visit will look like? Check out one of our blog posts here: https://hudsonvalleypt.com/2021/07/01/what-to-expect-on-your-first-pelvic-pt-visit/