Enlarged Prostate Treatment: How Physical Therapy Can Help

Overview

This natural part of aging affects millions of people with prostates, leading to urinary symptoms that can impact everything from sleep to social activities. While the medical term for this condition is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), many people know it simply as an enlarged prostate.

Your prostate is a small gland that sits below the bladder and surrounds the urethra - the tube that carries urine out of your body. As you age, this gland naturally grows larger. By age 60, about half of all people with prostates experience some enlargement, and this number rises to 80% by age 80. This growth isn't cancerous, but it can press against the bladder and urethra, affecting how you urinate.

At Mendwell Pelvic Health, we regularly work with individuals managing enlarged prostate symptoms. Our approach focuses on improving your daily comfort and function through specialized pelvic floor physical therapy, offering relief without surgery or medication.

Symptoms

‍An enlarged prostate can affect your life in various ways:

• Difficulty starting to urinate and/or interrupted urine stream‍
• Waking up multiple times at night to use the bathroom
• Feeling that your bladder isn't completely empty
• Dribbling after finishing urination

Causes

Prostate enlargement occurs naturally with age, but several factors can influence this process:

• Natural aging process and hormonal changes
• Family history of prostate conditions
• Overall health and lifestyle choices
• Body weight and activity level
• Diet and nutrition
• Certain medical conditions

Understanding these factors helps us develop more effective treatment strategies tailored to your specific situation.

The Role of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

While physical therapy can't shrink an enlarged prostate, it can significantly improve how your body manages its effects. At Mendwell Pelvic Health, our specialized approach includes:

Comprehensive Assessment:

• Evaluation of pelvic floor muscle function
• Assessment of bladder and urinary patterns
• Review of lifestyle factors affecting symptoms
• Understanding your specific goals and challenges

Targeted Interventions:

• Customized pelvic floor exercise programs
• Bladder training techniques
• Manual therapy when appropriate
• Behavioral modifications for symptom management

Your Treatment Experience at Mendwell

We understand that discussing prostate and urinary issues can feel uncomfortable. Our approach prioritizes your dignity and comfort while providing effective treatment:

Initial Visit:

• Private consultation in a comfortable setting
• Thorough discussion of your symptoms and concerns
• Clear explanation of assessment findings
• Development of your personalized treatment plan

Ongoing Care:

• Regular progress monitoring
• Adjustment of techniques based on your response
• Education about self-management strategies
• Support for maintaining improvements long-term

Frequently Asked Questions

Can exercise help with enlarged prostate symptoms?
‍Yes! Specific exercises, particularly those targeting the pelvic floor muscles, can help manage symptoms. Your physical therapist will guide you through appropriate exercises and ensure you're performing them correctly for maximum benefit.

How long will I need physical therapy for my enlarged prostate?
‍Most patients see improvements within 6-8 weeks of consistent therapy, though individual experiences vary. We'll work with you to develop a treatment timeline based on your specific symptoms and progress.

Will my symptoms get worse if I don't seek treatment?
‍While an enlarged prostate is progressive, proper management can help control symptoms and potentially slow their progression. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.