Reviewed and contributions made by Kari (Ziemba) Melby, MPT, Senior Director of Women’s Health Services
June is Men’s Health Month. During this time, we encourage men to take a proactive approach to their personal health. Men face their own unique set of health concerns and challenges. One such example is men’s pelvic health. Men who experience incontinence, sexual dysfunction, or even low back, groin or hip pain could be experiencing a pelvic floor disorder.
Though there may be several other symptoms present with pelvic floor disorders in men, they often are improperly diagnosed due to pelvic floor concerns being more closely associated with women. As a result, men may not know that physical therapy may be their best option to help find relief.
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Understanding Men’s Pelvic Health & Common Symptoms
As aforementioned, men can experience pelvic disorders like their female counterparts. For men, the pelvic floor muscles make up a dome-shaped structure in the pelvis. These muscles, tissues and nerves support and maintain bladder, bowel and sexual function.
Men who have weak or have limited control over their pelvic floor muscles may suffer from pelvic floor dysfunction. When this occurs, men may experience one or several of the following symptoms:
- Low Back Pain
- Groin and/or Hip Pain
- Abdominal Aches and Pains
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Urinary Frequency/Difficulty Urinating
- Constipation/Diarrhea
- Pain with Bowel Movements
What Causes Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?
Men’s pelvic health can be influenced and impacted by any of the following:
- Trauma
- Surgery
- Long Durations of Sitting
- Heavy Lifting
- Sudden Increase in Activity Level
- Previous Infections
- Scar Tissue
- Stress
- Poor Posture
Whatever the cause, it is important to take care of your pelvic health. If left untreated, pelvic issues can potentially worsen over time.
How Can Physical Therapy Help Me?
If you have explored other options for pelvic concerns/symptoms but have yet to find help, it may be time to try physical therapy. While it can be difficult to talk about pelvic health disorders, our physical therapists are specially trained to make you feel comfortable and provide the insight and assistance needed to help you find relief.
Prior to examining you, it is important to have a candid conversation with your physical therapist. Discussing possible causes, symptoms and previous treatments will help your therapist in determining a care plan that is right for you.
After an initial discussion, your physical therapist will most likely perform a physical exam. During this initial exam, your therapist will determine the range of motion, strength and flexibility in your pelvis, hips and back. Your physical therapist will also discuss the importance of an internal rectal pelvic floor muscle examination to feel for muscle tension, coordination concerns and weakness that may be contributing to your symptoms. This may or may not be completed at the first visit depending on your consent and preference.
Once your therapist has thoroughly assessed your situation, they will determine a treatment plan specifically for you. Your treatment plan may include one or several of the following:
- Muscle Awareness and Coordination Training
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Core Strengthening
- Activity Modification
- Postural Education
- Stretching
- Relaxation Techniques
- Biofeedback – Internal and External
- Electrical Stimulation
- Home Exercise Program Instruction
The number and frequency of sessions will be determined based on your specific needs and may change throughout the duration of your treatment.
Interested (but Nervous) About Getting Started? Take the First Step and Schedule an Assessment.
Be proactive about your health. It’s important! While it may be uncomfortable talking about some of the symptoms associated with pelvic dysfunction, it is possible to find relief (and potentially prevent future issues too). Take the first step and schedule an appointment with one of our pelvic health therapists near you.