Physiotherapy for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Men
Pelvic floor dysfunction is an increasingly recognized health concern among men, impacting their daily lives and overall well-being. While often misunderstood or overlooked, conditions related to a weak or dysfunctional pelvic floor can severely affect physical comfort, self-confidence and quality of life. At Azita Papaie’s Physiotherapy Clinic, conveniently located in Saint-Henri and serving neighbouring communities like Little-Burgundy, Griffintown, Westmount, Monkland Village, Pointe-Saint-Charles, Ville-Marie and Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, we specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy for men’s pelvic floor issues.
Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in Men
Pelvic floor dysfunction refers to the inability to correctly control or relax the pelvic floor muscles, a critical group of muscles that support pelvic organs and are crucial for bladder, bowel and sexual function. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Age-related muscle weakening
- Chronic constipation or bowel issues
- Prolonged sitting or sedentary lifestyles
- Post-surgical complications (prostate surgery for example)
- Improper weight-lifting strategies
- Stress or anxiety leading to chronic muscle tension
A weak pelvic floor can lead to numerous health problems, significantly affecting men’s physical health, psychological well-being and social interactions.
Symptoms and Conditions Associated with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Men experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction often report:
- Difficulty controlling urination or bowel movements
- Pain in the pelvic area, lower back, or hips
- Sexual dysfunction, including erectile difficulties
- Painful ejaculation or intercourse
- Chronic discomfort or pressure in the pelvic region.
Azita is a top notch physiotherapist. I always leave her practice feeling so much better. She’s attentive, thorough and very knowledgeable. She takes the time to explain what is happening and follows every treatment with excellent guidance of at -home exercise. My whole family has used her at one time or another for rehabilitation of broken bones to chronic aches and pains.I truly cannot recommend Azita enough!
Azita is an amazing physio! She's extremely professional and knowledgeable! ( I wish I could give 10/5 stars here! ) She really helped me with my shoulder and back pain, she's also very warm and caring, I enjoyed talking with her very much. Highly recommended!
I have been a client of Azita Papaie for over ten years. If there were more than five stars I would be giving them to her. She is professional, extremely knowledgeable, empathetic, and meticulous in her treatment of her clients and their physio needs. Her follow-up is appreciated and above all, her smile that greats you at each appointment is the perfect start to each session.
Azita is an amazing physiotherapist. She is extremely knowledgeable about the body and what it needs to feel better. When I was having extreme pain in my shoulder from a bad fall, she was able to get rid of the pain with manipulation and massage. She is also a very warm person and I enjoyed our conversations very much. I highly recommend her!
Azita is the best physio you can find. She is very professional and extremely good at what she does. I feel a lot better after each visit. She's been very helpful with my back pain.
Azita is amazing! She is very professional and helped turn my TMJ into something controllable. She not only treats the problem during session, but she also gives you take home exercises so that you can help yourself as well. Would definitely recommend!
I have been going to Azita for a couple of years now for back , shoulder and knee problems . She is very knowledgeable , professional & a life saver ! She never failed to enhance my quality of life and I cannot thank her enough . I never hesitated to refer to her friends & acquaintances , knowing that she will be part of the solution .
Great first session! Azita is warm and knowledgeable. She was able to put me at ease and get me back on track after serious ankle surgery. I highly recommend.
Azita is an excellent physio who is extremely knowledgeable and professional. She is thorough when doing the assessment and takes the time to listen. Her treatment along with prescribed exercises, stretches and teach me how to practice good form were extremely helpful in getting back on track for my right shoulder a few years ago. I am back for my left shoulder and I am confident she will do the same. I highly recommend Azita.
‘I highly recommend Azita. Her eagle-eye and expertise in diagnosis are second-to-none. She has successfully helped me and other family members through a number of different issues over the years and this has brought great relief.’
Azita is amazing. I have gone through many therapists in the last 30 years to help me with pain in my back and legs, but the pain kept always coming back. I met her in 2016 and have been her client since. I worked with her for my back and hips problems, and she was able to identify and help me correct the root problems, instead of only prescribing the usual stretching exercises.She has a holistic approach that look at all the body rather than focusing on where the pain is located. In addition, she ensures i have the tools to heal my body rather than requesting i keep coming back for more visits.Azita is a lifelong learner. Over the years, i saw firsthand how she keeps learning and adding more tools and techniques to help her clients. I benefited greatly from her expertise and competence. I would highly recommend her services.
Azita is both personable and professional. I've had a couple different types of pain in different parts of my body from repetitive and long term stressors and weakness. All of it is massively better since seeing her. More than I thought possible. The nature and location of some pains are vulnerable/sensitive but Azita made me feel at ease right away by communicating clearly and respectfully before and throughout. As well as effectively relieving the pain.
I have been working with Azita over 10 years ago, and have benefited a lot from her knowledge base, open mindedness, and positive-practical approach to health. Her end goal was always to support my physical health towards enjoying the activities that I was eager, but often hesitant, to lean into. Her hands on approach has been helpful over the years. I also appreciate her diagnostic skills, her ability to listen, always giving practical suggestions towards the betterment of my overall strength and health.
Intuitive and experienced Azita found my injury and used her knowledge to treat the source not the symptom which was buried in the absence of use of muscles around the problem due to occupation and posture.Honestly she saved me from cortisone shots which would have eventually harmed my tissues and cartilage. I went from severe reduced mobility to about 95 percent. Mostly, because I’m not as diligent with my exercises :).She is really understated and modest. I highly recommend her for anyone needing Physio and specialized massage. She’s an excellent diagnostician.
Key Related Health Issues Addressed by Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Erectile Dysfunction
Pelvic floor dysfunction can significantly contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED). Weak pelvic muscles decrease blood flow and muscle control essential for maintaining erections. Pelvic floor physical therapy employs targeted exercises and biofeedback techniques proven to enhance muscle control, blood circulation and overall sexual performance, significantly improving erectile function.
Painful Erections and Intercourse
Pain during erections or intercourse can severely impact emotional well-being and intimate relationships. Often resulting from overly tight or spasmodic pelvic floor muscles, these symptoms can be effectively alleviated through specialized physiotherapy techniques. Our approach includes manual therapy, relaxation exercises and personalized routines to reduce muscular tension and eliminate discomfort.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence, often resulting from weak pelvic floor muscles, can profoundly impact daily activities and social interactions. Physiotherapy is highly effective in managing and resolving urinary symptoms through tailored pelvic exercises, lifestyle education and muscle-strengthening techniques. Our patients commonly experience significant improvements in bladder control and quality of life.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis, characterized by inflammation of the prostate gland, can lead to chronic pelvic discomfort and urinary problems. Many cases of chronic prostatitis involve pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Pelvic floor physiotherapy effectively reduces inflammation by improving blood circulation, improves muscle function and significantly decreases pain through targeted therapy, stretching and therapeutic exercises.
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain is often a debilitating symptom associated with pelvic floor dysfunction, severely restricting day-to-day activities. Our treatment focuses on personalized therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, biofeedback and relaxation techniques that directly address muscle tension and chronic pain, delivering meaningful and lasting relief.
Azita’s Comprehensive Physiotherapy Treatment Approach
At Azita Papaie’s Physiotherapy Clinic, we use evidence-based, personalized treatment programs combining several therapeutic methods tailored to your specific symptoms:
- Manual Therapy: The physiotherapist applies gentle, hands-on techniques designed to relieve muscle tension, reduce pain, and enhance circulation and healing.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: We create customized strengthening and relaxation exercise routines to improve muscle resilience, restore proper muscle function and significantly reduce symptoms.
- Biofeedback Therapy: This innovative approach provides real-time feedback, helping you gain better muscle awareness, improve control and achieve optimal pelvic floor functionality.
- Patient Education: We provide comprehensive education and practical lifestyle advice, empowering you with knowledge and actionable strategies to sustain your pelvic floor health long-term.
Scientific studies have demonstrated that pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is effective in treating various forms of pelvic floor dysfunction in men, including erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE) and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).
Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation:
A systematic review published in Physiotherapy analyzed multiple studies and found that pelvic floor muscle training significantly improved symptoms of ED and PE. The review concluded that strengthening the pelvic floor muscles enhances erectile function and ejaculatory control, offering a non-invasive treatment option for these conditions.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32029399/
Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome:
Research published in Translational Andrology and Urology evaluated men with CPPS who underwent a comprehensive PFPT program. The study reported significant improvements in pain and quality of life, suggesting that pelvic floor rehabilitation is an effective treatment for CPPS.
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5673826/
Post-Prostatectomy Rehabilitation:
A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine reviewed the effects of PFPT on men experiencing ED after radical prostatectomy. The findings indicated that pelvic floor muscle training contributed to the recovery of erectile function in these patients.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30979506/
These studies underscore the importance of incorporating pelvic floor physical therapy into the treatment plans for men experiencing pelvic floor dysfunctions. They highlight PFPT as a viable, non-invasive approach to improving symptoms and enhancing quality of life.
LOOKING FOR A PELVIC FLOOR PhysiotherapIST NEAR SAINT-HENRI?
Azita Physio is conveniently located 2 minutes away from the Lionel-Groulx metro station and close to the Atwater Market, downtown Montreal, Westmount and Little Burgundy.