Regaining Control: How Pelvic Floor PT Helps Before and After Prostate Surgery

Prostate surgery, particularly prostatectomy (removal of the prostate gland), is a common and often necessary procedure for men dealing with prostate cancer or other prostate-related issues. While it's a life-saving and important step for many, it can also come with side effects—most notably, urinary incontinence.

What many people don’t realize is that pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) can make a huge difference not only afterprostate surgery but before as well. Whether you’re preparing for a procedure or already in recovery, pelvic floor therapy can help you feel more in control of your body and your healing.

Why Does Prostate Surgery Cause Urinary Incontinence?

The prostate gland sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). During a prostatectomy, nearby muscles, nerves, and tissues can be affected. This can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and interfere with the bladder’s ability to hold and release urine efficiently.

Common urinary symptoms after surgery include:

  • Leaking when coughing, sneezing, or lifting

  • Urgency (a sudden need to pee)

  • Dribbling after urination

  • Difficulty starting or stopping urine flow

How Can Pelvic Floor Therapy Help?

Pelvic floor physical therapy focuses on strengthening, coordinating, and retraining the muscles that support the bladder and control urination. When introduced before surgery, it helps you learn how to properly engage your pelvic floor muscles and improves your body’s baseline strength. After surgery, it can significantly speed up recovery, reduce incontinence episodes, and help you return to your normal routine more confidently.

Benefits of Pre-Prostatectomy Rehab

  • Muscle prep: You’ll learn exactly where your pelvic floor muscles are and how to activate them properly.

  • Faster recovery: Patients who begin therapy before surgery often regain bladder control more quickly.

  • Improved awareness: Building a mind-body connection pre-surgery can make it easier to resume pelvic floor exercises during recovery.

Benefits of Post-Prostatectomy Rehab

  • Support for healing: Targeted therapy helps the pelvic floor recover from trauma and adapt to changes in anatomy.

  • Leak management: Reduce the severity and frequency of urine leakage through personalized training.

  • Education and empowerment: You’ll learn how daily habits, body mechanics, and breathwork can support continence.

You’re Not Alone—and You Don’t Have to “Just Deal With It”

Urinary incontinence can feel frustrating, isolating, or even embarrassing—but it’s extremely common and absolutely treatable. We’ve helped many men return to activities they love, reduce or eliminate pads, and feel confident again after surgery.

And if you haven’t had your surgery yet, this is the perfect time to get started—think of it as training your muscles before a marathon!

Let’s Work Together

If you or someone you love is preparing for or recovering from a prostatectomy, pelvic floor PT can make a real difference—and we’re not your average clinic. At Rhode Island Pelvic Wellness, we take a whole-body, personalized approach that goes far beyond just “Kegels.”

We specialize in pelvic health, and we take the time to get to know you—your story, your goals, and the impact symptoms are having on your life. You’ll never feel rushed or like “just another patient.” Our sessions are one-on-one, hands-on, and rooted in education, so you understand exactly what’s going on and how to make real progress. Learn more about our approach here!

📍 Based in East Greenwich, Rhode Island—reach out today to schedule your evaluation or ask any questions. We’re here when you’re ready.

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