Many people are surprised to learn that pelvic floor physical therapy is not just for women! Men also have pelvic floor muscles, and when these muscles are not functioning properly, they can contribute to a wide range of uncomfortable and frustrating symptoms. From urinary issues and pelvic pain to recovery after prostate surgery, pelvic floor physical therapy can play an important role in improving quality of life.
If you are searching for the best pelvic floor physical therapy for men in Wichita, KS, finding a provider with specialized training is important. At Empower Physical Therapy in Andover, KS, Dr. Kraus provides individualized pelvic floor physical therapy for men. She works with patients experiencing a variety of pelvic floor conditions, helping them reduce pain, regain strength, improve bladder and bowel function, and return to the activities they enjoy.
Many men live with symptoms for months or even years because they do not realize treatment is available. Others may feel uncomfortable discussing these concerns. The truth is that these conditions are common, and seeking treatment is an important step toward feeling better.
What Is the Pelvic Floor?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles located at the base of the pelvis. These muscles support the bladder and bowel while also playing an important role in urinary control, bowel function, sexual health, posture, breathing, and core stability.
Just like any other muscle in the body, the pelvic floor can become too weak, too tight, poorly coordinated, or painful. When this happens, everyday activities can become uncomfortable and symptoms may begin interfering with work, exercise, hobbies, and daily life.
Because the pelvic floor works together with the abdominal muscles, hips, diaphragm, and lower back, problems in one area can often affect another. A thorough evaluation helps determine the underlying cause rather than simply treating the symptoms.
What Conditions Can Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Help Treat?
Many men are referred to pelvic floor physical therapy after surgery, but surgery is only one reason someone may benefit from treatment.
Pelvic floor physical therapy may help men experiencing:
- Urinary leakage
- Frequent urination
- Urgent need to urinate
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Pelvic pain
- Tailbone pain
- Pain while sitting
- Pain during or after exercise
- Constipation
- Pain with bowel movements
- Chronic groin pain
- Pain after prostate surgery
- Pain in the hips or lower abdomen related to pelvic floor dysfunction
- Sexual dysfunction related to pelvic floor muscle problems
These symptoms can affect men of all ages, from young athletes to older adults recovering from surgery.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy After Prostate Surgery
One of the most common reasons men seek pelvic floor physical therapy is following prostate surgery.
Procedures involving the prostate can temporarily affect the muscles responsible for bladder control. Many men experience urinary leakage after surgery, especially during activities such as coughing, standing up, lifting, or walking.
Pelvic floor physical therapy helps patients improve muscle coordination, rebuild strength, and regain confidence throughout recovery.
Working with a trained pelvic floor physical therapist before or shortly after surgery may also improve recovery by teaching proper muscle activation and healthy movement strategies.
Recovery looks different for every individual, but having a structured treatment plan often helps patients make steady progress while addressing concerns along the way.
Can Pelvic Floor Therapy Help Men Without Surgery?
Absolutely.
Many men who have never had surgery can experience pelvic floor dysfunction.
Sometimes the muscles become overly tight from stress, heavy lifting, repetitive exercise, prolonged sitting, or previous injuries. In other cases, weakness or poor coordination contributes to bladder problems or ongoing discomfort.
Because every patient is different, treatment begins with identifying what your muscles are actually doing rather than assuming they simply need strengthening.
In many cases, muscles that feel weak are actually too tight to function correctly. Learning how to relax, coordinate, and properly use the muscles can often provide significant improvement.
Common Symptoms Men Should Not Ignore
Some men assume urinary changes or pelvic discomfort are simply part of getting older.
Others avoid discussing these symptoms because they feel embarrassed.
The reality is that persistent symptoms deserve evaluation.
Signs that may indicate pelvic floor dysfunction include difficulty making it to the restroom in time, waking multiple times during the night to urinate, pain while sitting for extended periods, discomfort during exercise, pelvic pressure, constipation, or ongoing pain without a clear cause.
These symptoms may improve with specialized pelvic floor physical therapy, especially when addressed early.
What Happens During Your First Appointment?
At Empower Physical Therapy in Andover, your first visit begins with a conversation.
Dr. Kraus takes time to understand your symptoms, medical history, daily activities, and personal goals.
Your evaluation may include an assessment of your posture, breathing, movement patterns, hip mobility, abdominal strength, core coordination, flexibility, and functional activities.
Depending on your symptoms and your comfort level, additional examination of the pelvic floor may be discussed. Every evaluation is individualized, and your therapist will explain each step while ensuring you feel comfortable throughout the process.
Many patients say they feel relieved simply having someone listen to concerns they have been dealing with for a long time.
What Does Treatment Look Like?
Every treatment plan is customized because no two patients experience pelvic floor dysfunction in exactly the same way.
Your care may include education, gentle exercises, manual therapy, stretching, strengthening, breathing techniques, posture training, movement retraining, and strategies to improve bladder and bowel habits.
You may also learn ways to reduce unnecessary strain during lifting, exercising, sitting, or other daily activities that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Treatment is always designed around your goals, whether that means returning to work comfortably, exercising without pain, improving bladder control, or simply feeling more confident during everyday life.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Athletic Performance
Many active men are surprised to learn that pelvic floor health can influence athletic performance.
The pelvic floor works closely with the abdominal muscles, diaphragm, and hips to create stability throughout the body. When these muscles are not functioning efficiently, movement patterns may become less effective and discomfort may develop during sports or exercise.
Athletes who participate in running, weightlifting, golf, cycling, baseball, and other recreational activities sometimes experience pelvic pain, groin discomfort, or symptoms that limit their performance.
Improving coordination throughout the core can help support more efficient movement while reducing unnecessary stress on surrounding muscles and joints.
A Whole Body Approach to Care
At Empower Physical Therapy, treatment extends beyond the pelvic floor alone.
Many pelvic floor symptoms are influenced by how the hips, spine, abdomen, breathing muscles, and surrounding joints work together. Addressing only one area may overlook the true source of the problem.
That is why Dr. Demi Kraus, DPT takes a comprehensive approach to care. Your treatment plan is designed to improve the way your entire body moves, helping reduce pain while restoring normal function.
Education is also an important part of every visit. Understanding why symptoms occur often helps patients feel more confident throughout the recovery process and better equipped to manage their condition long term.
Why Choose Empower Physical Therapy in Andover?
Finding the best pelvic floor physical therapy for men in Wichita, KS means choosing a provider who offers specialized care in a comfortable and supportive environment.
At Empower Physical Therapy, we understand that discussing pelvic health can feel uncomfortable for many men. She creates a welcoming environment where patients can openly discuss their concerns and receive individualized treatment based on their specific symptoms and goals.
Rather than relying on a one size fits all approach, every treatment plan is personalized. Whether you are recovering after prostate surgery, dealing with chronic pelvic pain, struggling with urinary symptoms, or looking to return to an active lifestyle, your care is designed around helping you move better and feel better.
Many men are surprised by how much their symptoms improve once the underlying cause is identified and treated. You do not have to accept discomfort, urinary issues, or pelvic pain as a normal part of life. Specialized pelvic floor physical therapy can help you regain confidence and get back to doing the things you enjoy.
Click here to schedule.
📍 Empower Physical Therapy
📍 826 E. Founder Pkwy STE 100, Andover, KS 67002
📞 316-348-2766
