Did you know according to the Centers for Disease Control, men are twice as likely as women to wait over two years between visits to the doctor?
In addition, many men only see a doctor when they suspect they have a serious medical issue.
Yes, we know you’re busy.
And it can be embarrassing to discuss health issues.
However, seeking treatment is often the best thing you can do, to ensure your long-term health and ensure you will be able to enjoy life for years to come.
Here at Capitol Physical Therapy in Washington DC, we offer physical therapy treatments uniquely geared toward men’s health.
Let’s look at some health issues you may be experiencing, and how physical therapy can help.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy For Men
There is a common misconception that pelvic floor issues is only an issue in physical therapy for women’s health, as they tend to be associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
It simply isn’t true, however – men can also experience issues related to their pelvic floor muscles as well.
Some of these may include issues with ejaculation, incontinence, constipation, rectal pain, and problems related to the urgency and frequency of urination.
If you are experiencing issues in any of these areas, pelvic floor physical therapy for men at Capitol Physical Therapy can help.
Physical Therapy For Male Urinary Incontinence
As we mentioned above, one of the issues which can come with pelvic floor issues is incontinence.
This is a condition which relates to the ability of the nerves and muscles in the bladder to hold and release urine.
You might be finding it harder to “hold it” until you’re able to find a bathroom when you need to pee, or sneezing or coughing can result in a “leak”.
Some of the common causes of urinary incontinence in men include post-prostatectomy incontinence, urge incontinence, and stress-related incontinence.
Stress Urinary Incontinence In Men
Contrary to what its name suggest, stress incontinence doesn’t refer to bladder leaks when you’re under stress like a tough job deadline or in an interview.
Instead it refers to instances where you may experience physical stress, such as sneezing, coughing, or during exercise.
These activities can cause your pelvic muscles to temporarily allow the neck of your bladder to descend, and prevent the urethra from working to control the flow of urine.
There are multiple factors at play that can cause this, but it tends to be more common with age. As a result, it’s often considered as part of physical therapy treatments for seniors health.
At Capitol Physical Therapy, we offer physical therapy for stress urinary incontinence in men that can help.
Urge Urinary Incontinence In Men
Urge incontinence occurs when there is a sudden urge to urinate, causing your bladder to contract and urine to leak through the muscles which are meant to hold your bladder closed.
This may also be referred to as bladder spasms, irritable bladder, or overactive bladder.
If this is something you are dealing with, we can give you exercises to help strengthen your bladder and pelvic floor muscles.
Physical therapy treatments for urge urinary incontinence in men at Capitol Physical Therapy can help.
Post-Prostatectomy Urinary Incontinence
If you have had to undergo surgery to remove your prostate, there is a very high chance of dealing with urinary incontinence.
The prostate plays a role in helping to control urination, and once removed the pelvic floor muscles need to work harder in order to make up for this loss.
Men’s health physical therapy for post prostatectomy urinary incontinence can help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and lower the risk of incontinence.
Physical Therapy For Inguinal Hernias (Groin Hernia)
Inguinal hernias result from protrusions of soft tissue such as intestines from the abdominal cavity.
They can be direct, or indirect.
Direct hernias are when the protrusion occurs outward via a weak spot in the abdominal wall.
Indirect hernias happen when the intestine presses through the into the groin area.
Signs of this type of hernia can include a bulge in your groin area, swelling and pain in your scrotum, and discomfort of the groin area.
They’re most commonly treated under the purview of physical therapy for sports injuries and in workplace ergonomics, since these are some of the more common causes.
If you are experiencing this, physical therapy for inguinal hernias can help through education, screening, and postoperative rehabilitation.
- Education on breathing and lifting techniques, as well as proper body mechanics. These are all ways to reduce the strain and pressure on the abdomen
- Screening to help diagnose an inguinal hernia
- Postoperative rehabilitation to return to pre-operative levels of functioning and pain management
Physical Therapy For Male Sexual Dysfunction
The sexual response cycle includes desire, arousal, orgasm, and resolution.
Sexual dysfunction is a complication which can occur at any point during this cycle.
Although it’s a very common condition, many men are too embarrassed to seek help for it, resulting in strain on their quality of life and romantic relationships.
If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, problems related to ejaculation, or pelvic pain a physical therapist can teach you how to train the muscles of your pelvic floor as a treatment for these conditions.
It may feel embarrassing, but if you’re experiencing sexual dysfunction, you’re not alone. According to the most reliable study on the subject at the time of writing, 52% of men will experience sexual dysfunction in their lives.
But it doesn’t have to stay that way – physical therapy for men’s sexual dysfunction can help.
Physical Therapy For Transgender Men
The experience of transgender men will be very different from that of cisgender men.
Undergoing surgery such as a hysterectomy can result in side effects such as chronic pain, bladder issues, infection, and constipation.
A physical therapist may use techniques such as teaching proper posture, in order to reduce pressure on the pelvis, and teaching myofascial release techniques which can be done at home.
We recognize some transgender men may be initially uncomfortable with hands-on treatments, and this is something we can work up to – or avoid entirely depending on your comfort level.
That said, physical therapy treatments for transgender men can help you get the most out of your transition, keeping you healthy for years to come.
Book Your Appointment With Capitol Physical Therapy Today
We know seeking medical care is can be difficult for many men.
Some of the issues noted here can be embarrassing to talk about – urinary incontinence, issues with sexual function – you might just as quickly sweep them under the rug and carry on without acknowledging them.
However, think of how much better your quality of life would be if you handled them head-on, and were able to move past them.
We’re Capitol Physical Therapy and we can help. Contact us today to set up an appointment.