Pre-Surgery Prep: The Role of Pelvic Floor Exercises Before Prostate Surgery

Facing prostate surgery can feel overwhelming, but taking proactive steps before your procedure can significantly improve your recovery and quality of life afterwards. One of the most effective ways to prepare is by strengthening your pelvic floor muscles. These "hidden heroes" play a vital role in bladder control, continence, and overall recovery after prostate surgery.

At Southside Physiotherapy, we provide pre-operative physiotherapy programs designed to empower men with the tools and knowledge they need to optimise their recovery. Let’s explore why starting pelvic floor exercises before surgery is so beneficial, and how our approach helps you feel prepared and confident heading into the procedure.

Why Are Pelvic Floor Exercises Important Before Prostate Surgery?

The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and, in men, the prostate. During radical prostatectomy, the prostate gland is removed, which can temporarily weaken the surrounding muscles and nerves, leading to challenges like incontinence. Strengthening these muscles before surgery gives you a significant head start on recovery, helping to:

• Improve Bladder Control: Strong pelvic floor muscles make it easier to regain continence after surgery. By training these muscles beforehand, you’re better equipped to manage bladder control during the early post-operative phase.

• Boost Muscle Awareness: Pre-surgery exercises teach you how to correctly engage your pelvic floor muscles. This awareness is crucial for recovery, as it allows you to activate the right muscles when needed.

• Speed Up Recovery: By building strength and endurance before surgery, you’ll set a foundation for quicker post-operative progress, reducing the time it takes to regain normal function.

• Reduce Stress: Knowing you’ve taken steps to prepare can provide peace of mind, helping you approach surgery with confidence.

What to Expect from Pre-Operative Physiotherapy at Southside Physiotherapy

Our pre-surgery program is designed to make pelvic floor training as effective and straightforward as possible. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

1. Personalised Assessment and Education

We start with a detailed consultation to understand your specific needs and goals. Our male physiotherapists are experienced in men’s health and provide a comfortable, understanding environment. During this session, we explain the role of the pelvic floor, demonstrate how to engage the right muscles, and address any questions or concerns you may have.

2. Real-Time Ultrasound for Immediate Feedback

One of the most valuable tools in our program is real-time ultrasound. This advanced technology allows you to see your pelvic floor muscles in action, giving you instant feedback on whether you’re engaging them correctly. This visual confirmation is incredibly helpful, ensuring you’re practising the exercises properly from the start.

3. Tailored Exercise Plan

We provide a customised exercise program based on your assessment and ultrasound results. These exercises are simple and don’t take much time to do, making them easy to integrate into your daily routine. Consistency is key, so we encourage you to practice regularly to build strength and control.

The Link Between Pre-Surgery Exercises and Post-Surgery Recovery

The benefits of pre-surgery preparation extend far beyond the operating room. By starting pelvic floor exercises early, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother recovery.

• Regaining Continence: Pelvic floor strength plays a critical role in bladder control after surgery. Those who engage in pre-surgery training often experience faster improvement in continence compared to those who don’t.

• Core and Postural Support: Our program also addresses core and postural muscles, which work in tandem with the pelvic floor. Improving these areas enhances overall stability and efficiency, making recovery exercises more effective.

• Long-Term Benefits: Strengthening your pelvic floor before surgery provides lasting benefits, helping to maintain continence and support overall pelvic health in the years to come.

Why Early Action Matters

If you’ve been advised to undergo a radical prostatectomy, starting your pelvic floor training as early as possible is essential. The period before surgery is a critical window to build strength and awareness that will make a significant difference in your recovery.

It’s also important to monitor any changes in your normal bladder or bowel habits and consult your GP if anything seems unusual. Early intervention and preparation are the keys to better outcomes.

How Southside Physiotherapy Can Help

At Southside Physiotherapy, we’re committed to providing the tools and support you need to navigate prostate surgery with confidence. Our comprehensive Prostate Cancer Rehabilitation Program includes:

• Pre-operative physiotherapy to prepare your pelvic floor muscles.

• Post-operative rehabilitation to accelerate recovery and restore bladder control.

• Ongoing support to address core strength, posture, and overall well-being.

With our specially trained male physiotherapists, you’ll receive expert guidance in a supportive and understanding environment.

Take Control of Your Recovery

Preparing for prostate surgery is about more than just the procedure—it’s about taking proactive steps to ensure a smoother, more confident recovery. Pelvic floor exercises are a simple yet powerful tool that can make a significant difference.

Contact us at Southside Physiotherapy to learn more about our pre-surgery physiotherapy program and how we can support you every step of the way. Don’t wait—start strengthening your foundation for recovery today!