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Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation

Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Rehabilitation

Donna Sarna Physiotherapy can play an important role in the rehabilitation of men whom have undergone treatment for prostate cancer.  Different symptoms can result from cancer treatment and vary between individuals.  Cancer related fatigue, pain, de-conditioning/ reduced strength, muscle shortening, neuropathy, and incontinence are some of the more common symptoms reported.

Urinary incontinence is very common after prostate surgery as some of the muscles responsible for bladder control are removed with the prostate.  After surgery, urine may leak unexpectedly with physical activity or with coughing or sneezing. How much urine leaks and how long this incontinence lasts for varies between individuals.  This can be reduced by learning how to exercise the pelvic floor muscles correctly.

The pelvic floor is a layer of muscle at the base of the pelvis.  They support the pelvic organs (bladder and rectum) and control the openings of the bladder and bowel (maintain continence).  The pelvic floor muscles also play a role in gaining and maintaining erections.

What Symptoms Can We Treat?

  • Pelvic floor pain and tension
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Urinary and fecal incontinence
  • Urinary retention
  • Constipation
  • Low back/sacroiliac/hip pain
  • Decreased range of motion in low back and hips
  • Lymphedema
  • Generally deconditioned
  • Decreased core strength

How Can Donna Sarna Physiotherapy Help?

At Donna Sarna Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation, a pelvic assessment is a two-part process. The first appointment will include a detailed history and external evaluation. The physiotherapist will examine posture, movement, and the muscles, fascia and nerves, focusing on the low back, hips, pelvis and abdomen. The second appointment will include the internal rectal examination, which includes evaluation of the pelvic floor muscles assessing muscle tone or tightness, strength, endurance, trigger points, and tissue integrity.

An individualized treatment program is developed based on assessment findings and may include education regarding posture, relaxation exercises, muscle and/or fascial release, myofascial release, visceral manipulation, biofeedback, and an individualized home exercise program including the pelvic floor muscles and core.