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.