Post-prostatectomy rehabilitation
Prostate surgery can bring understandable worries about bladder control and erectile function.
These changes are common after surgery, but with the right preparation and rehabilitation, most men regain good control and function over time.
At Pelvix, we provide specialist physiotherapy both before and after surgery. Pre-surgery sessions focus on understanding your pelvic floor, learning how to contract and relax it properly, and building awareness that will make post-operative recovery smoother and faster.
After surgery, the focus shifts to restoring function. The prostate sits just below the bladder, and removal can affect the structures that control urination and erections. You might notice leakage when coughing, walking, or exercising, or find it difficult to start or stop the flow of urine. Some men also experience reduced or absent erectile function.
Your rehabilitation plan is individual to you, but may include:
- Pelvic floor muscle training – strengthening and re-educating the muscles that control bladder and erectile function.
- Biofeedback and neuromuscular electrical stimulation – helping to identify, activate, and retrain weakened muscles.
- Bladder retraining and lifestyle advice – reducing urgency, frequency, and leakage.
- Education and self-management strategies – practical guidance for recovery, including what to expect in the early days.
- Relaxation and breathing techniques – preventing muscle over-working and improving coordination.
- Gradual return to activity and exercise – supporting safe, confident movement.
- Support for erectile recovery – including pelvic floor rehabilitation and, where suitable, focused shockwave therapy (ESWT) to promote blood flow and tissue healing.
- Pre-habilitation gives men a head start — research shows that understanding and strengthening the pelvic floor before surgery can shorten recovery time and improve long-term outcomes. But if you’ve already had surgery, it’s never too late to benefit from rehabilitation; progress can be made months or even years afterwards.