What's Men's Health Physiotherapy?
Men’s Health Physiotherapy is a specialist physiotherapy service focusing on pelvic floor issues in men.
The common signs of pelvic floor dysfunction in men are:
- Pelvic pain (chronic prostatitis and pudendal neuralgia)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pre and post prostate surgery rehabilitation
Although these conditions are rarely discussed, and many men are reluctant to talk about or seek treatment for them, Pelvic floor issues in men are quite common.
- Up to 16% of men are affected by pelvic pain
- More than 50% of men over the age of 40 experience erectile dysfunction
- Up to 70% of men suffer from urinary incontinence following prostate surgery
Pelvic Health issues can affect men for several reasons. Contrary to popular belief, they are not necessarily a mark of age, illness or infirmity. Sometimes it’s the opposite – it’s not unusual for athletes of both sexes who train to a high level, often runners and cyclists, to experience pelvic floor issues due to pelvic floor tightness.
The good news is that many of these issues are treatable. Specialist Men’s Health Physiotherapy improves, and often, completely resolves the majority of pelvic floor issues in men.
Male pelvic floor conditions we treat
Ten’s specialist Men’s Health Physiotherapists provide treatment for a range of conditions, amongst them:
- Pelvic pain (chronic prostatitis and pudendal neuralgia)
- Bladder issues
- Erectile dysfunction
- Hard flaccid syndrome
- Incontinence
- Functional constipation
- Pre and post prostate surgery rehabilitation (prostatectomy)
If you have questions or would like to talk in confidence to one of our Men’s Health Physiotherapists, please contact us at [email protected] or fill out the enquiry form below and we will contact you as soon as possible.
How we treat you
You’ll be treated by a specialist Men’s Health Physiotherapist. Your first appointment will involve a subjective and objective assessment.
In the subjective assessment, we’ll ask you a number of specific and targeted questions to help us better understand your symptoms, the underlying issue or condition and any contributing factors.
In the objective assessment, we’ll look at the physical impact of your symptoms and we’ll also assess your posture, movement patterns, and muscle and joint strength and stability, to give us further insights into the underlying cause.
If it is warranted and you consent to it, we may also carry out an internal pelvic floor assessment to assess the strength, tone/tightness and control of the pelvic floor and the integrity of the tissues. (If an internal examination is required, we will offer you the option of a chaperone.)
Your Physio will then explain the diagnosis not just of the immediate issue and symptoms but also of the underlying cause. They will discuss your treatment and rehab plan, and help you understand what to expect as your programme progresses.
Testimonials
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D’s story
“The results have been a revelation. There is no other way of putting it.”
Like many men, as I got older, I began to have to get up in the night to pee. By five years ago it often three or four times, which badly disrupted my sleep.
I went to the doctor and was told that it was probably just the usual prostate enlargement, and drugs might help. I tried them, but without success. So, like many other men, I grinned and bore it.
At the same time, I was also suffering a marked loss of genital responsiveness and arousal. I didn’t know who to talk to about this, or how.
Then I found Leanne at Ten. She was frank, straightforward and addressed my difficulties sympathetically. This was important because male embarrassment, as we know, is a major inhibitory factor preventing men seeking treatment. And even though these problems are incredibly common, they cause – often unnecessary – misery for too many men
And after 10 months treatment, the results have been a complete revelation.
I no longer have to get up three or four times a night to pee –once is normal. This has transformed my quality of life.
We are now addressing the arousal problem with both exercise and physiotherapy and though it’s early days, the signs are positive, and that has already made a big difference to my morale!
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M’s story
‘Taking care of my pelvic floor health has been life changing”
I’d been struggling with testicular pain since 2021. I saw a urologist who diagnosed it as prostatitis. Despite treatment, the pain continued. I lived with the symptoms for the next few months until they gradually subsided on their own.
In 2023 I did a heavy gym session and the pain returned. Luckily, my Physiotherapists at Ten suggested that I see Leanne, one of their specialist Men’s Health Physiotherapists, as the issue could be related to my pelvic floor.
I had a pelvic floor assessment and Leanne identified that I had a tight pelvic floor that was causing my testicular pain.
I was delighted to find that the pain improved after only the first session. I was so relieved to finally understand what was going on and what could be done about it.
I’ve now had 7 sessions of treatment and the pain has almost completely resolved.
Taking care of my pelvic floor health has been life changing. Working with a Men’s Health Physiotherapist has allowed me to get rid of testicular pain as well as understanding my body and how to better take care of it for fitness and longevity.
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Martin’s story
I’d been struggling with testicular pain for 3 months and had been sent to a urologist and pain specialist. They recommended that I see Leanne as the pain could be coming from my pelvic floor muscles.
Leanne assessed the pelvic floor and was able to reproduce my pain by pressing on to the pelvic floor muscles. I was so relieved that she had identified the cause of the issue and was able to treat it.
Leanne is excellent. She is understanding, interesting, highly knowledgeable and thoroughly professional. She diagnosed my issue and cured me in only a few sessions – just as she advised she would.
I would encourage any man, no matter how sensitive the issue, to talk with Leanne.
NEED HELP?
Speak to a Pelvic Health Specialist
Chartered & Regulated
All of our physiotherapists are Chartered, which means they are governed by the
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and adhere to professional standards, including
the CSP’s Rules of Professional Conduct. Additionally, all physiotherapists are
registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, an independent UK-wide health regulator.
FAQ
About Men’s Health Physiotherapy
Still have questions? Read our full FAQs or contact our team, and we'll be happy to assist
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Why is Pelvic Health Physiotherapy important for men?
The pelvic floor is essential for bladder and bowel control in men and supports sexual function, including erection and ejaculation. Dysfunction can impact both physical and emotional wellbeing. Although common, men’s pelvic health issues are often underreported.
Specialist assessment and treatment are important, as general pelvic floor advice may not address men’s specific needs. Targeted physiotherapy is often more effective than unsupervised exercise.
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What are the common signs of pelvic floor dysfunction in men?
Pelvic floor dysfunction in men can present in different ways.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the abdomen, pelvis, genitals, rectum or lower back
- Erectile dysfunction or difficulty maintaining erections
- Premature ejaculation
- Constipation
- Urinary urgency or incontinence
- Bowel urgency or leakage
Symptoms may be related to pelvic floor tightness, weakness, or a combination of both.
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What happens during male pelvic floor physiotherapy?
Your first appointment includes a full assessment of your symptoms and medical history.
This starts with a detailed discussion about your condition and any contributing factors.
Your physiotherapist will then assess movement, posture, strength and muscle control.
If appropriate and with your consent, an internal pelvic floor examination may be carried out; a chaperone can be present if you prefer.
Your physiotherapist will then explain your diagnosis clearly, which includes both the underlying cause and the contributing factors. You will also receive a personalised treatment plan and rehabilitation programme.
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How do men do pelvic floor exercises?
Pelvic floor treatment in men is not always about strengthening alone; in many cases, the focus is on reducing tension and improving control.
Exercises are designed for your specific condition and symptoms. For some men, relaxation and mobility work is more appropriate than strengthening. For others, especially after prostate, genital or abdominal surgery, strengthening and endurance work may be required.
A physiotherapist will guide you through the correct exercises, which help ensure they are done safely and effectively.
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Can pelvic floor exercises make symptoms worse in men?
Yes, if done incorrectly. Generic pelvic floor exercises are not always appropriate for men with pelvic pain or tension. In some cases, they can increase symptoms; this is why a specialist assessment is important before starting a programme. A physiotherapist can identify whether you need strengthening, relaxation or a combination of both.
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What does Men’s Health Physiotherapy involve at Ten?
Ten offers specialist Men’s Health Physiotherapy at selected clinics, with treatment adapted to your symptoms, diagnosis and personal goals. Your programme may include exercise therapy, manual therapy and education to support recovery and long-term health. We also provide specialist rehabilitation following prostate surgery and other abdominal or urological procedures.
- Our Men’s Health Physiotherapy team includes Antonia, who works at our Notting Hill and Notting Hill Gate clinics, and Leanne, who is based at our St James’s and King’s Cross clinics.
- To speak with a member of the team or book an appointment, please complete our enquiry form. Appointments can be arranged directly through this process.
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How many sessions will I need?
Most men see improvement within 4 to 6 sessions. However, treatment length depends on the severity and nature of symptoms.
Some conditions require shorter programmes, others need longer-term rehabilitation. Your physiotherapist will review progress and adjust your plan as needed.