Men’s health has traditionally been centred on cardiovascular health and erectile function. Men’s health concerns have recently included, but are not limited to:
- Bladder health
- Rectal dysfunction
- Sexual health and sexual function
- Pelvic pain
- Penile and scrotal pain
- Prostate cancer
- Breast cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Mental wellbeing and mental health
Physiotherapy and Men’s Health
There is currently very little formal training in men’s health physiotherapy. The majority of physiotherapists who work in this rapidly expanding sector have a background in women’s health, pelvic floor therapy, or musculoskeletal treatment.
Places for informal learning:
- Online continuing education
- In-person continuing education
- Mentorships
- New research
Foundational knowledge in men’s health:
- Anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor
- Kinematics of the pelvis in respect to the rest of the body
- Erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, and pain and incontinence during orgasm are all examples of sexual health issues.
- Pelvic pain aetiology and management
- Incontinence problems that affect both the bowel and the bladder
- Knowledge of common regional problematic diagnoses such as prostate cancer
Physiotherapy for men’s health is a new and developing topic of study. During their entry-level studies, most practicing physiotherapists did not obtain the necessary in-depth education and training in this specialty sector. Another crucial part of successful and competent care is access to and training on specialty equipment.
Detailed information about the intended physiotherapy should be communicated to qualified persons, including:
- The planned examination/assessment
- The evaluation, diagnosis, and prognosis/plan
- The intervention/treatment to be provided
- The risks which may be associated with the intervention
- The expected benefits of the intervention
- The anticipated time frames
- The anticipated costs
- Any reasonable alternatives to the recommended intervention
What does men’s health physiotherapy treatment involve?
All management programmes are adapted to the needs of each individual. Our Men’s Health Physiotherapist uses the following treatments and strategies to manage symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction:
- Pelvic Floor Muscle training (strengthening): This promotes proper pelvic floor exercise technique, which includes proper posture and breathing.
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Release: This allows for complete relaxation of tight pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to pelvic pain and dysfunction. The posture and breathing technique are also addressed.
- Bladder retraining: For bladder control concerns, this entails using planned voiding strategies.
- Manual Therapy/Trigger Point release: This helps to loosen up the pelvic floor, hip, groin, and back muscles and improve their function.
- Postural Correction: When it comes to pelvic floor dysfunction, posture is crucial.
- Core Stability Training: This entails specific pelvic floor and core coordination training and re-education in order to achieve optimal pelvic stability.
- Relaxation Techniques: To address total muscle stress, this includes particular breathing and mobility exercises.
- Strengthening / Stabilising Exercises: These exercises target particular hip and pelvic abnormalities that might contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction.
Please contact Simply Align Rehab Physio in Scarborough/Toronto at simplyalignrehab.com for detailed advice on Men’s Health Physiotherapy, or call or text us at (416) 628-8554 for your Physiotherapy or Chiropractor requirements in Toronto.