Prostate cancer rehabilitation services
Brooks offers a number of programs to serve patients who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, who are currently undergoing treatment, or who have received treatment including prostatectomy, radiation, and/or chemotherapy.
Prostate Cancer “Prehab” Program
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer but not yet received treatment, pelvic floor rehabilitation will provide proper instruction on pelvic floor muscle exercises, prescribe a personalized pelvic floor muscle exercise program and provide education on the common symptoms experienced post-prostatectomy. Our prehab program is generally 1-2 sessions, unless deficits are found, at which time additional treatment will be recommended.
Prostate Cancer Post-Op Program
Once you have completed cancer treatment including prostatectomy, radiation, and/or chemotherapy, physical therapy can help improve urinary function and quality of life. Your pelvic health physical therapist will perform a thorough assessment in order to establish a personalized plan of care consisting of exercises and education to help return your to your prior level of function.
How we help you recover
Prostate cancer and treatment can result in a number of issues, most commonly, urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Your physical therapist will use your assessment findings to come up with a personalized plan of care for you consisting of education on healthy bladder and bowel habits, pelvic floor muscle function and behavioral strategies to help manage your symptoms. Your therapist will also guide you through an exercise program to address the musculoskeletal deficits such as strength, endurance, and coordination.
What to expect
Your plan of care with a pelvic floor physical therapist will begin with an initial evaluation in which you and your therapist will discuss your symptoms and concerns.
The pelvic health rehabilitation evaluation includes a comprehensive history and physical examination in a private room with your physical therapist. Dependent on your symptoms, examination of the pelvic girdle and pelvic floor muscles may include a direct rectal assessment. The examination of the pelvic floor muscles is important to determine the ability of your muscles to function normally. Your therapist’s assessment will provide insight on whether or not your muscles can contract and relax normally, if there is adequate strength and endurance, and if there are painful areas or areas of increased muscle tension. Your therapist will use findings from both the interview and physical part of the exam to make sure you receive the proper treatment and personalized care.
Following your initial assessment, your physical therapist will develop a plan of care and work with you to establish treatment goals including a timeline for achievement of your goals. Your plan of care will be sent to your physician for review and signature.
Next steps
In the state of Florida, patients can be evaluated and treated by a physical therapist for up to 30 days without a referral (dependent on insurance carrier). After 30 days, a referral is required. Referrals to see a pelvic health physical therapist can come from your primary care provider, oncologist, urologist, etc.