Men’s Health
With Physical Therapist, Cheryl Rioux, MSPT
Experiencing urinary urgency, constipation, or prostate dysfunction? We can help!
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation with a Certified Specialist
In recent years, the field of pelvic floor physical therapy has gained recognition for its potential to positively impact men’s health. Traditionally associated with women’s health, the benefits of pelvic floor therapy extend beyond gender boundaries. Men, too, can experience a wide range of conditions and symptoms related to their pelvic floor muscles. We understand this is a sensitive topic for many and we hope to provide valuable information, support, and resources for the lesser-known advantages of pelvic floor physical therapy for men, shedding light on the transformative effects it can have on their overall well-being.
Helping You Achieve Success
An individualized, holistic approach to pelvic health
We can help you navigate prostate dysfunction, pelvic pain, urinary and fecal incontinence, constipation, and more.
Feel confident and prepared for prostate surgery
Stop leaking pee when working, lifting, or simply standing up
Reduce urinary urgency throughout the night
Improve your ability to initiate urine flow
Address debilitating constipation or incontinence
Urinary Function
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help men regain control over their bladder, reducing or eliminating urinary incontinence. Through targeted exercises and techniques, individuals can strengthen and retrain their pelvic floor muscles, leading to enhanced urinary control. This can provide a significant boost in confidence and allow men to engage in daily activities without the worry of embarrassing leaks or accidents.
Pre & Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Men who have undergone prostate surgery or other pelvic surgeries may benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy during the post-operative phase. Therapy can aid in the recovery process, minimize complications, and restore normal function. By promoting healing, reducing scar tissue, and improving muscle strength and flexibility, pelvic floor therapy can significantly enhance the recovery experience and improve long-term outcomes.
Fecal Incontinence
Pelvic floor physical therapy can also help men who experience fecal incontinence, a condition characterized by the inability to control bowel movements. Through specialized exercises and techniques, therapy can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles responsible for maintaining bowel control. By improving muscle coordination and control, individuals with fecal incontinence can regain confidence, independence, and a better overall quality of life. Pelvic floor physical therapy offers a targeted and effective approach to address this often embarrassing and socially isolating condition.
Prostate Dysfunction
Pelvic floor physical therapy can be beneficial for men experiencing prostate dysfunction, including conditions such as prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). By targeting the pelvic floor muscles, therapy can help alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions, such as pain, discomfort, and urinary difficulties. Through a combination of manual therapy, exercises, and relaxation techniques, pelvic floor physical therapy can contribute to improved prostate health, reducing inflammation, promoting better urinary flow, and enhancing overall prostate function.
Who can benefit from men’s pelvic floor PT?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that provide support to the organs in the pelvic region. It plays a crucial role in bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and overall core stability. When the pelvic floor becomes weakened or dysfunctional, it can lead to various health issues, affecting a man’s quality of life.
Common men’s health conditions include urinary and fecal incontinence, prostate conditions, post-surgical procedures including prostectomy and hernia repairs, pelvic pain, low back and hip pain, urinary urgency, bowel dysfunction, and constipation.
What is men's health physical therapy?
Men’s health physical therapy focuses on addressing musculoskeletal conditions and dysfunctions specific to men’s bodies. It encompasses a range of issues including pelvic pain, urinary urgency and incontinence, bowel dysfunction, and prostate conditions.
What does a pelvic floor evaluation include?
1. An intake that includes a report of your current concerns and symptoms and medical history.
2. A general musculoskeletal screening looking at your posture, movement, strength, and any soft tissue tenderness or restrictions.
3. Pelvic Floor Assessment this involves internal palpation of your pelvic floor tissue (rectally) and muscles to assess pain/discomfort, soft tissue restrictions, and your ability to contract and relax your muscles. Your therapist will explain the assessment step by step as it is performed, and you always have the choice to stop the assessment if you are not comfortable.
How do I prepare for my first appointment?
Wear comfortable clothing, write down your concerns, symptoms, and questions. If you feel more comfortable you are more than welcome to bring a family member or friend with you.
About Cheryl Rioux
Our women’s health specialist is Cheryl Rioux, MSPT. Cheryl graduated from Husson University in 2002. Over the past 21 years she has worked primarily in the outpatient orthopedic setting. Since 2016 Cheryl has specialized in providing adult pelvic health and rehabilitation Physical Therapy treating a variety of conditions. She completed her advanced training in men’s health pelvic rehabilitation through the Herman & Wallace Institute. She is also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist and enjoys integrating other manual techniques including myofascial and visceral mobilization and dry needling as part of her treatments. Cheryl is committed to providing quality care to her clients and believes that the therapist and the client work together as a team to achieve their goal.
Your health is your choice!
Don’t wait any longer.