In recent years, there has been a significant increase in awareness surrounding pelvic floor health for women. However, when it comes to men, the story is quite different. Many people aren't even aware that men possess a pelvic floor! Although less prominently discussed, pelvic floor therapy for men is equally essential and can be just as beneficial for their health and wellbeing. If you're a man wondering about the ins and outs of pelvic floor therapy or someone concerned about a special man in their life, keep reading to learn how pelvic floor therapy can strengthen their body, promote wellness, and improve quality of life!
What is the Pelvic Floor?
The terms 'pelvic floor' generally refers to a group of muscles, ligaments, and tissues located in the pelvis. It acts as a supportive hammock, keeping your pelvic organs – the bladder, bowel, and prostate – in place. A strong pelvic floor is critical in maintaining bowel and bladder control and plays a significant role in sexual function.
Why is Pelvic Floor Therapy Important for Men?
Men's pelvic floor muscles can become weak due to various reasons – increased age, obesity, urological surgeries, constipation, or even just the natural process of aging. Weak pelvic floor muscles can result in several conditions, including erectile dysfunction, incontinence, and lower back pain. Pelvic floor therapy helps men regain control over these issues by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, improving pelvic stability and posture, and ultimately enhancing their overall quality of life.
How Does Pelvic Floor Therapy Work?
Pelvic floor therapy for men often starts with a comprehensive assessment from a specialized physical therapist. They will examine factors like muscle strength and endurance, posture, and movement patterns. Based on the evaluation, the therapist may recommend some of the following exercise techniques to target those muscles:
1. kegel exercises
These exercises involve repetitively contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. To perform kegel exercises, imagine you are trying to stop the flow of urine or prevent passing gas. Hold the contraction for 3-5 seconds, then relax for 5 seconds. Gradually increase the duration of each contraction, aiming to reach 10 seconds.
2. Pelvic Floor Muscle Training
This type of training focuses on isolating and engaging the pelvic floor muscles with the help of visual feedback. Biofeedback devices, such as EMG sensors or digital perineometers, can help men better identify and contract the correct muscles during exercise.
3. Pelvic Floor Muscle Inactivation (relaxation techniques)
Some men may suffer from overly tight pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to pain or discomfort. These individuals can benefit from relaxation techniques like deep diaphragmatic breathing, gentle stretching and releasing exercises, and trigger point release through manual therapy.
Pelvic Floor Therapy Male Example
Imagine a 45-year-old man who has been experiencing urinary incontinence issues for some time. He's embarrassed by the uncontrollable leakage, avoiding social events and quitting his soccer team. After several weeks of pelvic floor therapy, he begins to regain control over his bladder function, no longer worried about accidents. Gradually, his confidence grows, and he resumes his social and exercise activities, enjoying a better quality of life.
Now you know that pelvic floor therapy isn't just for women! Men can also substantially benefit from strengthening their pelvic floor muscles to combat common age-related health conditions, prevent injuries, and improve their overall wellbeing. If this information has resonated with you, we encourage you to share it with the men in your life or explore other articles on our Pelvic Floor Therapy blog to discover ways to enhance your health and vitality. You deserve it!
