Prostate Cancer Rehabilitation & Prostate Health Physiotherapy
At Atlas Physiotherapy, Sydney, we provide pre- and post-operative physiotherapy for men undergoing radical prostatectomy or other prostate treatments. Prehabilitation before surgery and structured rehabilitation afterwards significantly improve continence recovery and quality of life outcomes.
What Does the Prostate Do?
The prostate is a small gland, about the size of a walnut, that sits just below the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). It also has a role in reproduction - it produces fluid that mixes with sperm to create semen. This fluid helps nourish and protect sperm.
Because of its position around the urethra and just above the pelvic floor muscles, changes in prostate size or treatment involving the prostate can affect bladder control, sexual function, and pelvic comfort.
Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement (BPH)
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that becomes more common with age.
Common urinary symptoms:
Increased urinary frequency (especially at night)
Urgency - feeling a sudden need to rush to the toilet
Difficulty starting urination
Weak or slow urine stream
Dribbling at the end of urination
Feeling that the bladder hasn’t fully emptied
Straining to pass urine
Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Early prostate cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can overlap with BPH.
Possible symptoms include:
Changes in urinary flow (weak stream, hesitancy)
Increased urinary frequency, particularly at night
Blood in urine or semen
Erectile dysfunction
Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
Unexplained lower back, hip, or pelvic pain (in more advanced cases)
Unintended weight loss or fatigue (less common, later-stage signs)
Any persistent change in urinary or sexual function should be medically assessed.
How Physiotherapy Helps Before and After Radical Prostatectomy
A radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) is a common treatment for prostate cancer. Because the prostate sits closely with the urinary sphincter and pelvic floor muscles, surgery can affect bladder control and sexual function.
Before Surgery (Prehabilitation)
Physiotherapy can:
Assess your baseline pelvic floor muscle strength and control
Teach correct pelvic floor muscle activation
Improve endurance and coordination of the urinary sphincter
Educate on bladder habits and post-operative expectations
Help men enter surgery stronger and more confident
Research shows that men who begin pelvic floor training before surgery often recover continence more quickly.
After Surgery
Physiotherapy can support recovery by:
Guiding structured pelvic floor rehabilitation
Improving bladder control and reducing leakage
Addressing urgency and frequency
Assisting with return to exercise and daily activities
Supporting erectile function recovery through targeted pelvic floor training
Managing pelvic pain or scar-related discomfort
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Recovery timelines vary, but early and guided rehabilitation significantly improves outcomes.
Get In Touch
Book a Men's Health Physiotherapy Appointment in Sydney
If you're ready to book, use the link below. If you'd prefer to ask a question first, or you're not sure whether physiotherapy is right for your situation, feel free to get in touch - we're happy to help you figure out the best path forward.
Atlas Physiotherapy is located in Leichhardt, easily accessible from across Sydney's Inner West, including Annandale, Balmain, Petersham, Stanmore, Newtown, and Glebe.
If you’d like to ask a question, or if you’re unsure which service is right for you, feel free to reach out.