Prostatectomy Program

With the right support, you can thrive and not just survive after prostate cancer treatment.

Let’s face it, a cancer diagnosis can be scary. You may find yourself just putting one foot in front of the other to beat it, and surgery can be a necessary and extremely effective treatment option. Unfortunately, surgery comes with its own side effects that can linger even after the cancer is long gone if not addressed.

Working with a pelvic floor therapist who specializes in prostatectomy care before and after surgery can be a game changer. You can learn strategies, tools, and exercises to prep your body ahead of time and aid in your recovery so that you can come out of cancer treatment even stronger. You deserve to get back to your fullest, richest life after prostate surgery!

Request Appointment

We know you didn’t ask for this, but we are here to support you every step of the way.

Our Prostatectomy Program framework will make sure no stone is left unturned while keeping it individualized to you and your unique journey.

pelvic therapist demoing on a pelvic model for a male patient

Included in the Prostatectomy Program:

  • Pre and post-op anatomy and function

  • How the surgery is performed

  • Pre-op exercise to prepare

  • Recommended equipment and supplies

  • Week of, night before, and day of preparation

    • What to do, what to pack, how to travel

  • Bowel health

  • Caregiver support

  • Early post-op mobility

  • Pain management techniques

  • Catheter care

  • Breathing strategies

  • Managing intra-abdominal pressure

  • Intentional return to activity

  • Pelvic floor activation and strengthening

  • Incision monitoring and scar management

  • Body mechanics training

  • Progressive core training

  • Penile health

  • Return to sexual function and activity

  • Regaining urinary continence

  • Return to work considerations

Kind Words From Patients

  • “I appreciated the care and professionalism of Dr. Nathan! While I initially visited for pelvic health, we were able to also visit about other issues that I’d been experiencing and work towards a resolution. Can’t recommend enough!”

    Eric W.

  • “Dr. Nathan has so much knowledge and shares in a straightforward and caring way. Dr. Nathan has become my trusted advisor and confidant.”

    Howard M.

  • “Nathan was my Physical Therapist and I was delighted with not only his expertise, but his warm caring and compassionate approach to his patients. The progress we made together and the information that I learned was amazing. Nathan is the best and TC Pelvic Health is the place.”

    James C.

  • “These folks “Get The Job Done" and with pelvic health issues, that’s saying a lot! Communication “at my level.” Great insight and useful advice. Worth every penny.”

    John H.

 Frequently Asked Questions About Our Prostatectomy Program

  • The vast majority of men undergoing prostatectomy will experience urinary leaking (incontinence) and inability to achieve erections (erectile dysfunction) after surgery. While these can improve slowly over time the odds of achieving prior level of function are best in those that get help from pelvic floor PTs.

  • As a general rule of thumb, we advise at least 3 visits pre-op to ensure you are getting the information and tools to set you up for your surgery. If you have any pre-existing pelvic health issues (pain, urinary urgency, urinary frequency, bowel issues, sexual health issues), it could be beneficial to start even earlier to clear any dysfunction and get your body in an optimal place to take on the new demands of surgery.

  • While Kegels, or pelvic floor muscle exercise, are an important part of regaining your function, they aren't the only thing. To get urinary control and erectile function back as quickly as possible, we must combine various forms of exercise, breathing techniques, use of equipment, hands-on care, and coordination training.

  • Absolutely. We are here to meet you wherever you are on your journey and provide you with tools to help you heal and regain function after your prostate surgery.

  • 1000%! We believe it is never too early or too late to start pelvic floor physical therapy. Occasionally there are a few more layers to peel back if your symptoms have been going on a long time, but we have seen people at all ages and stages feel better from things they thought just had to be their new normal.

  • Unlike a specific protocol or cookie-cutter approach, there is not a set number of visits in the Prostatectomy Program. Instead, we assess you individually and provide a specific plan based on your current status, long-term goals, and how quickly you are able to move through the major post-prostatectomy recovery milestones.

  • Most men do not require internal assessment or treatment during the prostatectomy program. We do have the training to do internal work as needed, but would explain to you in detail what that would entail and why we are recommending it if we do think you could benefit from it. At the end of the day, you have full control over what you feel comfortable with in our sessions.

  • For those that are further away from Richland/Tri Cities we do offer virtual care via telehealth. We know there are not that many providers trained specifically in men's pelvic health rehabilitation, so we do want to be accessible to people further away. We see great success with our virtual clients.

  • We sure think so! The reality is that every pelvic floor therapist has different levels of training and a different lens in which they assess and treat. Plus, in different systems, they may not have the time to dive as thoroughly into your case or put in the effort necessary to truly understand what is going on. We really appreciate when people care about their own health enough to give it another try when they have had a less than successful outcome with someone else, and it is so rewarding when they see the results they deserve!