What to Expect From Male Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

It is a common stigma as a man to be embarrassed about seeking treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. We want to assure you that there is nothing to be ashamed about — one in five people experience pelvic floor disorders in their lifetime. With our experienced male pelvic floor physical therapists, you can take a deep breath as our specialists have heard it all before, and will make you feel safe every step of the way.

Here’s what pelvic floor dysfunction is, what a pelvic floor physical therapist does and what to expect during a visit.

Men with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction can be common in men and women, young and old. It happens as a result of an issue with the muscles in your pelvic floor. You could be experiencing anything from painful bowel movements to painful sex. And with so many solutions available, it’s simply not necessary to live with these painful symptoms!

Male pelvic floor dysfunction can sometimes be misdiagnosed as chronic prostatitis or lower back pain. A pelvic health-trained physical therapist can help determine the underlying cause and provide effective, evidence-based treatment.

What is a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist?

A pelvic floor physical therapist is a therapist who treats and alleviates symptoms that result from pelvic floor conditions — for example, peeing, pooping and sexual function. They’re focused on hearing about your urologic, sexual, and colorectal conditions and collaborating with you to enhance everyday pelvic muscle function and life. No one should suffer in silence with pelvic floor problems.

What Can I Expect in a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Appointment?

A pelvic floor physical therapist visit is pretty much like a regular physical therapy visit. The first meeting is two parts: an interview, which is how we learn about you and your experience, and a physical examination. Your physical therapist is looking to understand what aggravates and eases your symptoms with a goal of establishing the best fit treatment for you.

What to Expect: Questions Your Physical Therapist Will Ask

Your PT will start taking some background information to better understand you and assess your pelvic floor status. You will be asked about bowel and bladder habits (eg, urinary and fecal incontinence, painful bowl movement, constipation) as well as sexual history (eg. painful erections, painful ejaculation, painful sex). They’ll want to know what your day-to-day symptoms are, as well as your goals with physical therapy.

External Physical Evaluation

Following the interview, your therapist will perform a physical evaluation of relevant lumbopelvic, hip, and other local areas. A large portion of the test is external. This will comprise an in-depth assessment of pelvic floor-disrupting movements to gather baseline data on strength and range of motion.

If you’re ready and comfortable, your physical therapist may conduct an external examination of your genitals, perineum and anal region. But, we always want to stress, this isn’t never a requirement of getting better and we can help you even if you’re not comfortable with this.

When you are ready to take the next step, your therapist will use models of the body to demonstrate each step of the evaluation. Given consent, you’ll be advised to remove any clothing below your waist (while your therapist steps out of the room) and cover yourself up with a sheet. You’re welcome to keep your genitals covered during the entirety of the exam while your perineum region is being observed. You’ll be prompted to contract and relax your pelvic floor muscles under your therapist's observation.

Internal Physical Evaluation

Following the external exam, there may be an internal exam if deemed necessary, given your symptoms. This part of the exam will only be conducted given your consent. Again, this is not a requirement of getting treatment for your pelvic floor and is not always necessary.

The internal exam is conducted via the rectum to survey the pelvic floor muscles and can provide important information for you and your clinician. This part of the exam tends to be easier than many people expect, and there are many things your therapist will do to make the experience more comfortable, including lubrication and adjusting your position as needed.

What Happens After the Evaluation?

Once the exam is finished, you can look forward to information about what you can expect from working with your physical therapist and self management strategies that will empower you to get back to living normally.

You may receive a home program that includes stretches, breathing drills, and posture awareness. These activities are just as important as your in-person sessions and will play a big role in your progress. Your therapist will also talk to you about how often you should return, and how your goals will shape the treatment plan.

What Happens When the Evaluation Is Completed?

Following the exam, you should receive information about what you can expect from working with your physical therapist, with self-management strategies enabling you to return to “normal” living.

You might be given a home program of stretches, breathing exercises, and posture awareness. Depending on what you’re doing, these activities are just as important as your in-person sessions and will contribute significantly to your improvement. Your therapist will also discuss how frequently you should return and how your goals will inform the treatment plan.

Interested in Learning More About Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

We’re here to talk. Reach out to us by filling out this form. Looking for local care? Physical therapy in Navy Yard, Washington DC offers effective solutions customised to your individual requirements.