Prostate massage and pelvic floor physiotherapy

Category: Minor Procedures, Injections & Pain Relief · All minor procedures, injections & pain relief

What it is

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a non-surgical treatment for urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, chronic pelvic pain and recovery after prostate surgery. It involves assessment of the pelvic floor muscles and a supervised exercise programme, sometimes with biofeedback or electrical stimulation.

Why it is done

It is first-line treatment for stress incontinence (leaking with coughing or exercise), urgency incontinence, and after prostatectomy to regain continence; it also helps men with post-prostatectomy leakage and chronic pelvic pain syndromes.

How to prepare

You will be assessed by a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist — the assessment may include an internal examination (with consent) to test muscle strength and coordination. Bring a bladder diary if you have been keeping one.

What happens during the procedure

Sessions teach correct pelvic floor contraction (the 'squeeze and lift') without tensing abdominals or buttocks, set a home exercise programme (sets of slow and fast contractions), and progress exercises over weeks. Biofeedback uses a sensor or ultrasound to show muscle activity. A typical course is several sessions over two to three months.

Afterwards — recovery & results

Exercises are practised daily at home. Improvement builds over six to twelve weeks; many people see substantial benefit with consistent practice. Your physiotherapist reviews progress and advances the programme.

Risks & considerations

There are no significant risks. The main issue is doing the exercises incorrectly — squeezing the wrong muscles — which the physiotherapist checks and corrects. Persistent symptoms after a good programme lead to further assessment or referral.

Frequently asked questions

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