Top 5 Physiotherapy tips to consider when preparing for prostatectomy

Here are some easy ways of helping to prepare for prostatectomy surgery and make the recovery afterwards a positive one. See our top 5 physiotherapy tips to consider when preparing for prostatectomy.

 

TIP #1 GATHER YOUR TEAM

Prostate cancer management requires a patient-centred, multidisciplinary team approach. This may include your GP, Urologist, Oncologist, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Prostate Cancer Nurse, Psychologist, Dietician or Exercise Physiologist. Good communication between all members of the team can assist the decision-making process and ensure that information is up-to-date, accurate and easy to understand. Support from family, friends and prostate cancer networks are also important during this time.

 

TIP #2 START TRAINING EARLY

Proceeding with the decision to go ahead with a Prostatectomy, it is important to start training as early as possible. Research shows that pelvic floor muscle training prior to surgery decreases severity and shortens the duration of post prostatectomy incontinence. Further studies show that best results occur under the guidance of a Physiotherapist trained in Pelvic Health.

 

TIP #3 KNOW YOUR ANATOMY

Do some research about bladder, bowel, prostate and pelvic floor anatomy and function as well as the surgical process. If you have pre-existing bladder or bowel concerns it is important to address these prior to surgery. A bladder or bowel diary may help this process. Accurate knowledge about the anatomy of the male pelvic floor and its contribution to the continence mechanism can assist with training the correct activation and technique.

 

TIP #4 PRACTICE MAKES PROGRESS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like learning any new skill, gaining pelvic floor muscle control takes practice. Skill acquisition relies on practising the correct muscle action every time. Following a complete and accurate assessment of the pelvic floor muscle complexes that control urethral pressure, a determination of pelvic floor strength occurs. Once these muscles have been isolated, it is then important to consider how these muscles work during functional activities. Coordinated interaction between the pelvic floor muscles, the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm allows effective management of pressure changes within the abdomen (and thus dispersal of downward forces on the bladder) during movement.

 

TIP #5 EXERCISE IS MEDICINE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The therapeutic benefits of exercise has been shown in men with prostate cancer to be far-reaching. This includes counteracting cancer-related fatigue, relieving mental distress and management of co-morbidities. The Clinical Oncology Society of Australia encourages all patients with cancer to adhere to the Australian adult exercise recommendations under the guidance of a health professional who specialises in the prescription and delivery of exercise programs. It is important to choose exercise that is enjoyable and sustainable and fits in with your lifestyle.

 

These tips were inspired by an excellent presentation given by Shan Morrison, Specialist Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, at the 19th Asia-Pacific Prostate Cancer Conference in Brisbane in August 2018.

For support with prostatectomy surgery see one of our Physiotherapists with interest in Men’s Health – Libby Whyatt or Alice Mackenzie