Written by: Dr. Taylor Kobliska, PT, DPT
Though instagram, TikTok, and even pelvic floor therapists themselves have focused mostly on women’s pelvic health, I’m here to tell you that men have (nearly) the same pelvic floors as women! Although the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunction in women is higher, men are really struggling too. 1 in 8 men will experience pelvic symptoms at some point in their life, and 50% of men over 50 have sexual function issues. That’s a ton of men that may not even be aware that their pelvic floor muscles are to blame.
Pelvic floor symptoms in men include the following: erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation, premature ejaculation, urinary leakage, urinary frequency/urgency, and constipation. Conditions like persistent genital arousal and pudendal neuralgia (nerve pain in the pelvic area) affect men as well. Even conditions that may appear to be separate from the pelvic floor are usually related! Symptoms like low back pain, tailbone pain, hip pain, or abdominal pain may actually be coming from dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles. Please give us a call if you are experiencing any of these conditions. We would absolutely love to help you!
Treatment for male pelvic floor dysfunction looks extremely similar to female pelvic floor treatment (with the exception of some specialized techniques). We include things like:
- Dry needling (our favorite!)
- Visceral mobilization
- Internal and external pelvic floor muscle mobilization
- Strength training
- Functional mobility
- Bladder training
- Motor control and coordination training
- Pain neuroscience education
- Cupping
- Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization
- Joint mobilization
- And more!
All of our therapists in the West Jordan and Layton locations have been specially trained in advanced male pelvic floor treatment to address men’s unique needs and anatomical differences. Male pelvic floors may be very similar to women’s, but there are some obvious differences that require specific techniques. Our therapists have mastered these skills and can offer you the most individualized and comprehensive care possible. The first step is to reach out so we can schedule your first evaluation.
Your evaluation is truly a whole-body movement analysis. We dive really deep, looking at things both inside and outside the pelvis and seeing how they interact. We consider your breathing mechanics, hip mobility, core strength, glute strength, single leg stability, back mobility, ANY areas of muscle tension, visceral mobility, and more. With your consent, your physical therapist will also evaluate your genitals, pelvic floor strength, pelvic floor coordination, and pelvic floor range of motion via an external and internal (via the rectum) approach. The purpose of such a comprehensive assessment is to identify a list of deficits that are contributing to your symptoms, areas that we need to work on, and a plan to get you back on track. The evaluation is a joint conversation surrounding your specific goals so that everything we do is tailored to your body and the things YOU want to accomplish. Your therapist will also provide ample pelvic floor education, answer any questions you may have, assign exercises for you to work on at home, and develop a structured plan of care for your treatment.
Treatment at Reborn Pelvic Health and Wellness includes four phases. The first phase mainly focuses on minimizing inflammation and pain. In phase 2, we start to work on strength, mobility, and flexibility. Phase 3 is the process of returning to normal function and activity! This is when we really start to notice the amazing changes. In the final and most important phase 4, we focus on maintaining your gains and preventing future injury. One perk of coming to Reborn is that in your traditional outpatient clinics, phase 3 and 4 are almost always neglected due to insurance concerns. Phase 4 is all about optimizing your pelvic and whole-body health to prevent future dysfunction. Patients who prioritize this phase of healing really have the best and most lasting results!
Please reach out to us if you or any men in your lives would benefit from this type of care. There are so many silent and suffering men out there. Please know that you are not alone! We would love to help you get back to doing the things you love.