What is men’s health physiotherapy?

Men’s Health is a specific area of physiotherapy focusing on the treatment and management of pelvic floor dysfunction. Sylvia Farrell, our Chartered Physiotherapist specialising in Men’s Health has undergone extensive training in this area.

Men’s health issues can appear at any age – from the young sporting type to the older man. Pelvic floor dysfunction can be connected to a number of conditions including:

• Prostatitis
• Post-prostatectomy
• Chronic Pelvic Pain
• Bowel dysfunction
• Sexual dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause a number of symptoms:

• Hip and Groin Pain
• Abdominal Pain
• Low Back Pain
• Pelvic Pain- pain in the penis/testes/rectal area
• Bladder control problems-urgency, frequency, post-void dribbling, urinary leakage
• Bowel control problems – diarrhoea, constipation, faecal incontinence
• Erectile dysfunction: ejaculatory dysfunction/ post ejaculatory pain
• Numbness/tingling/pins and needles in the penis/testes/rectal area

What does men’s health physiotherapy treatment involve?

All management programmes are tailored to individual needs. The following are examples of treatments and interventions used by our Men’s Health Physiotherapist to manage symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction:

• Pelvic Floor Muscle training (strengthening): This ensures correct pelvic floor exercise technique which involves addressing posture and breathing technique.
• Pelvic Floor Muscle Release: This ensures full relaxation of tight pelvic floor muscles which can contribute to pelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction. This also addresses posture and breathing technique.
• Bladder retraining: This involves scheduled voiding techniques for the management of bladder control issues.
• Manual Therapy/Trigger Point release: This helps to reduce tightness and optimise function of pelvic floor/hip/groin and back muscles.
• Postural Correction: Posture is extremely important in addressing pelvic floor dysfunction.
• Core Stability Training: This involves specific training and re-education of pelvic floor and core co-ordination to provide optimal pelvic stability.
• Relaxation Techniques: This includes specific breathing and mobility exercises to address overall muscle tension.
• Strengthening / Stabilising Exercises: These exercises address specific imbalances around the hip and pelvic which can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or conditions, call today on 091 727777 to book an appointment with Sylvia Farrell – Chartered Physiotherapist in Women’s and Men’s Health. Alternatively, you can get in touch using the contact page.