What does post prostatectomy mean?

Post prostatectomy refers to the period after surgery to remove part or all of the prostate gland, most commonly after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. Recovery can involve healing after the operation itself, but also rehabilitation for issues such as:

• urinary leakage or incontinence

• pelvic floor weakness

• reduced physical confidence

• fatigue or deconditioning

• changes in sexual function

• difficulty returning to exercise or usual activities

Concerns about urinary leakage and erectile dysfunction are commonly discussed in prostate cancer surgery information.

How post prostatectomy recovery may affect daily function

Recovery after prostate surgery may affect:

• bladder control and continence

• pelvic floor muscle function

• confidence with movement and exercise

• return to work or normal routines

• walking and general physical activity in the early recovery phase

• sexual function and intimacy concerns

• overall confidence and wellbeing

Pelvic floor exercises are commonly recommended both before surgery and after catheter removal to support continence recovery.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health may help

Pelvic floor physiotherapy

Pelvic floor physiotherapy may support men after prostate surgery where there are goals related to bladder control, pelvic floor retraining, confidence with movement, or return to activity. Depending on the person’s needs, support may include:

• assessment of pelvic floor muscle function

• education on correct pelvic floor activation

• pelvic floor muscle retraining

• support for urinary leakage management

• guidance on pacing return to exercise and activity

• advice about movement strategies during recovery

Pelvic floor exercise is widely recommended after prostate surgery, and specialist pelvic floor physiotherapy support is recommended before surgery and within the first few months afterwards.

General physiotherapy support

Some men may also benefit from general physiotherapy support where recovery is affecting:

• mobility and comfort after surgery

• physical deconditioning

• confidence returning to walking or activity

• strength and endurance

• return to daily tasks, work or exercise routines
  
  

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy is not routinely needed for every person after prostate surgery, but it may be relevant where someone is having difficulty with fatigue management, daily routines, independence at home, or return to work and everyday function.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiology may be appropriate for some men after prostate surgery who need support with graded return to exercise, physical reconditioning, endurance or general strength, particularly once they are medically cleared for exercise progression.

Speech Pathology

Speech pathology is not usually relevant to routine post prostatectomy recovery unless there is a separate communication or swallowing issue unrelated to the prostate surgery itself.

Our approach

At Palms, we take a function-focused, goal-directed approach. That means we look at how recovery after prostate surgery is affecting the person in everyday life and what practical support may help most at that point in time. Therapy may focus on:

improving bladder control

retraining pelvic floor muscles

supporting confidence with movement

returning to exercise and daily activities

pacing recovery safely

helping the person manage day-to-day function during recovery

We also recognise that support often works best when it is coordinated with the person’s GP, urologist and broader medical team where appropriate.

FAQ

What is post prostatectomy physiotherapy?

Post prostatectomy physiotherapy is physiotherapy support provided after prostate surgery, often focused on pelvic floor retraining, bladder control, continence support and recovery of daily function.

Can physiotherapy help after prostate surgery?

Yes. Physiotherapy may help support pelvic floor function, urinary control, physical recovery and confidence returning to daily activities after prostate surgery. Specialist pelvic floor physiotherapy is commonly recommended for men undergoing radical prostatectomy.

Should I do pelvic floor exercises before prostate surgery?

Many prostate surgery resources recommend learning and practising pelvic floor exercises before surgery so the muscles can be identified and trained before recovery begins.

When should I restart pelvic floor exercises after surgery?

Post-operative resources commonly advise restarting pelvic floor exercises after the catheter has been removed, based on the treating team’s advice.

Is urinary leakage common after prostatectomy?

Yes. Urinary leakage is a common concern after prostate surgery, especially in the early recovery period. Pelvic floor rehabilitation is commonly recommended to support recovery of continence.

Can physiotherapy help with incontinence after prostate surgery?

It may. Pelvic floor physiotherapy may help men improve pelvic floor muscle function and support urinary control after prostatectomy.

Can post prostatectomy recovery affect sexual function?

Yes. Erectile dysfunction and intimacy concerns are common after prostate surgery and are widely recognised as part of recovery.

Can I access Medicare for post prostatectomy physiotherapy?

Some men may be eligible for Medicare-subsidised allied health visits through a GP chronic condition management plan, depending on their circumstances and referral pathway. PCFA notes that a care plan may assist with the cost of pelvic floor physiotherapy visits for eligible patients.

When should I see a physiotherapist after prostate surgery?

It may be helpful to see a physiotherapist before surgery to learn pelvic floor exercises, and again after surgery if you need support with continence, pelvic floor recovery or return to activity.

If you are preparing for prostate surgery or recovering after prostatectomy and would like support with pelvic floor function, bladder control or return to activity, our team can discuss whether physiotherapy may be appropriate for your needs. 

Please visit these other websites for further information:

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia – Comprehensive resources on prostate cancer and treatment options, including recovery information.

https://www.pcf.org.au

Cancer Council Australia – Offers support and resources for cancer patients, including information on prostate surgery recovery.

https://www.cancer.org.au

Australian Prostate Centre – Provides support and information for men undergoing prostate cancer treatment and recovery.

https://www.prostatecentre.com.au

Andrology Australia – Information on men’s health, including resources on erectile dysfunction and sexual health post-surgery.

https://www.andrologyaustralia.org

Continence Foundation of Australia – Resources on urinary incontinence, pelvic floor health, and management strategies.

https://www.continence.org.au

Gastroenterological Society of Australia – Information on bowel health, especially relevant for patients experiencing changes post-surgery.

https://www.gesa.org.au

Healthdirect Australia – Offers general health information, including articles on recovery from prostate surgery.

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au

Australian Physiotherapy Association – Resources and support for physiotherapy interventions related to prostate health and recovery.

https://australian.physio

YourHealth – Government health resources that provide information on various health conditions, including prostate cancer and recovery.

https://www.yourhealth.gov.au

Men's Health Australia – Information on various health issues affecting men, including resources specific to prostate health.

https://www.menshealth.com.au

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.