Men's Pelvic Health Therapy

Common Conditions Treated by Men's Pelvic Health P.T.s

Pain

Pelvic, hip, or tailbone pain
Back pain, groin pain
Penile, testicular, rectal, and scrotal pain
Pain with erections or sexual activity

Bladder & Bowel

Concerns:Urinary incontinence
Urinary urgency and frequency
Painful bladder/interstitial cystitis
Fecal incontinence & Constipation

Sexual Health

Erectile dysfunction
Peyronie’s disease

Prostate-Related Concerns

Before and after prostate surgery (including prostatectomy)
Prostatitis & benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Other

Cyclist and other Athletic Related Issues

Benefits of Pelvic Floor PT for Men

Improved urinary control: Reduce leakage, urgency, and frequency.
Better sexual function: Improve erectile strength, control, and overall satisfaction.
Decreased pain: Resolve pelvic, groin, hip, or genital pain, as well as chronic “mystery pains” in the back, legs, or abdomen.
Optimized recovery after surgery: Especially after prostate, hernia, or abdominal procedures.
Improved bowel function: Reduce constipation and incontinence.
Enhanced core, hip, and back function: Stronger stability for everyday movement and athletics.
Improved parasympathetic nervous system regulation: Better overall nervous system balance supports whole-body health and emotional well-being.
Safe alternative to medication or surgery: Address the root cause instead of masking symptoms

Men have pelvic floor issues, too, but most don’t realize it, or they avoid talking about it altogether. Many men silently deal with urinary control problems, chronic pain, or changes in sexual function for years, often being prescribed medications that only help them “get by.”

Finding clear information and real solutions can be frustrating and isoilating. We are here to help. We are specially trained in men’s pelvic health and offers holistic, evidence-based treatments designed to address the root causes of these problems so you can finally find lasting relief.

What is the Male Pelvic Floor and Why is it Important?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the bladder, bowel, and prostate. These structures play a key role in bladder and bowel control, sexual function, and core stability.

While pelvic floor dysfunction is often associated with women, men also experience a wide range of issues — such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or erectile dysfunction — that can significantly impact daily life. Pelvic dysfunction can also contribute to chronic hip, back, groin, or even leg pain.

What is Male Pelvic Health Physical Therapy?

Men’s pelvic health physical therapy is a specialized branch of PT that assesses and treats dysfunction in the male pelvic region and related systems. It’s a safe, private, and effective way to address problems that often go unspoken.

Learn More about Men's Pelvic Floor PT

Gentlemen, Men's Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy May Be For You!

Why Men’s Pelvic Floor PT Isn’t Weird (The Less-Censored Version)

Bike Seat Problems? What Every Male Rider Should Know About Issues In the Saddle

What Does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Men Look Like?

Evaluation
You will be seen by a MALE therapist. Your physical therapy begins with a comprehensive evaluation that includes:

A detailed medical history and discussion of your primary concerns.
A holistic head-to-toe physical exam of posture, flexibility, core and hip function, pelvic alignment, soft tissue mobility, balance, and movement patterns. The pelvis, hips, and spine are also assessed to help identify any dysfunctions in the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, soft tissue or surrounding systems.
- The full assessment often occurs over the first several visits.
- Internal (rectal) exams can sometimes provide valuable information, but they are NEVER required and always performed with your full consent. Your comfort level will ALWAYS dictate what happens in a session.
A customized treatment plan based on your these findings.

Treatment
Treatment typically begins on your second visit and may include:

- Manual Techniques such as: visceral manipulation, vascular manipulation, neural manipulation, joint manipulation/mobilizations or other osteopathic techniques
- Dry Needling to pelvic floor structures, spine, hips, parasympathetic points, or scar tissue.
- Education on pelvic health, anatomy, and lifestyle changes
- Recommendations for lifestyle changes YOU can take to help resolve your issues. Many of the these simple recommendations are crucial to improving your pelvic health concerns.
- Exercises and stretches to lengthen and engage pelvic floor, hip, and/or core musculature
- Biofeedback to improve muscle recruitment
  - Electrical stimulation neural balancing and recruitment of parasympathetic tissues (not directly on pelvic floor muscles)

McKinney Physical Therapy, wants you to know:

You are not alone. Pelvic floor issues are far more common in men than most people realize, even though its seems like no one is talking about it.

For men, by another man. It can already be difficult enough to find a pelvic health physical therapist and most of them are women. This can be a barrier for some men who are already hesitant to seek out help. It is the reason we have built this program in our community.
This is a judgment-free zone. Your concerns are valid and will always be treated with professionalism and respect.
There is real help available. With specialized men’s pelvic health PT, many men see meaningful improvements within just a few visits.

You don’t have to live with leaks, pain, or frustration. With the right care, you can regain control, confidence, and comfort. We can help!

Learn More about Men's Pelvic Floor PT

Gentlemen, Men's Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy May Be For You!

Why Men’s Pelvic Floor PT Isn’t Weird (The Less-Censored Version)

Bike Seat Problems? What Every Male Rider Should Know About Issues In the Saddle

Men's Pelvic Health Therapy
F.A.Q

Is an internal rectal exam necessary? What does it involve?

Most of the time it is not. There are times when it can be helpful to assess structures that are only accessed internally and can provide valuable information for your recovery. The exam itself is performed gently, respectfully and quickly with your consent. However, this is NEVER required.

The purpose of this assessment is to assess the prostate and evaluate the strength, coordination, and function of the pelvic floor muscles. If it is determined that this is necessary, your therapist will explain the process and ensure that your are comfortable throughout the process. Again, you can always opt out.

Similarly, 99% of treatment interventions are external and the genitals do not need to be exposed. On a rare occasion, muscle releases may be performed through the rectum, but we typically prefer dry needling through the buttocks and/or groin instead.

Will I need to undress or expose my genitals?
Genitals are NOT exposed for 95% of assessment and treatment methods. However, when indicated, visual assessment can be useful part of the examination. In most cases we will only need to access your back, hips and groin.

Isn’t Pelvic Floor PT just about Kegels?

No. The concepts of “core” and “pelvic floor” are often associated with Kegel exercises. And while it is worth mentioning that most people (men and women) are NOT doing these correctly, Kegels are only a small part of a holistic pelvic floor PT approach.

How is Dry Needling utilized in Pelvic Floor treatment?

The purpose of dry needling is to decrease nerve sensitivity, muscle tone, and to increase balance of the autonomic nervous system. The most common areas of needle placement are in the: ear, low back, buttocks, hips, groin, and lower leg. Often, low level electrical stimulation is used in conjunction with the needles.

Needles Are NEVER placed in the penis, testicles, or scrotum. While the pelvic floor itself can be needled, it can be done with a surprising lack of discomfort and without exposing the genitals.

It is one of the very best treatments for pelvic floor issues, back pain, and general health as it allows us to impact the tissue DIRECTLY, something that cannot be done by other methods.

Learn More about Dry Needling

What is Visceral Manipulation and how is it utilized in Pelvic Floor treatment? Is it an internal procedure?

Visceral manipulation is a highly specialized, gentle osteopathic technique that works on releasing tensions in our viscera, typically in the abdomen or thorax. We use these techniques in the majority of sessions.

No, it is not an internal technique and your clothing remains on. The therapist’s hands are typically placed gently on the abdomen (or chest) to perform the releases.

Learn more about Visceral Manipulation

How do I prepare for my sessions?

Please wear or bring shorts made of soft material.

How long does it take to see results?
Many men notice improvement in just a few sessions, but lasting results often require a personalized program over several weeks or even months. It is helpful to keep in mind that symptoms often improve steadily overtime, not drastically overnight- this may help you measure the progress you are making more easily. Your therapist will be able to provide you with a more accurate estimate of recovery on your initial visit.

Are these PT sessions painful?
No — typically the treatments are gentle. Any discomfort is minimal and temporary, and we adjust techniques to your tolerance. Occasionally, a tight muscle in the hip or groin is uncomfortable when pressure is applied to release it, but we always proceed at your tolerance.

Can this help after prostate surgery?
Absolutely, most guys can benefit from this post-operatively. Pelvic floor therapy can speed recovery of bladder control and improve sexual health after prostate surgery. In general, the sooner you get in after surgery, the better the results.

Is Pelvic Floor PT helpful prior to prostate surgery?

Absolutely! While patients are often referred to PT in preparation for hip and knee replacement surgeries, it is rarely recommended prior to prostate surgery. However, a couple of pre-op visits with a physical therapist could be extremely helpful in maximizing your later outcomes. Having good pelvic floor muscle control is essential to having successful urinary continence after surgery.

Is this covered by insurance?
There may be some procedures, such at the initial evaluation, that are covered by Medicare, especially when it’s prescribed for urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or post- surgical rehab.

However, many of the treatment procedures we offer, such as dry needling and visceral manipulation, are NOT covered. I have spent years honing my skills in these techniques and they are the foundations of my treatment plans. These techniques work!

Clients can expect to pay of pocket for at least for at least a portion of each visit. We are unable to predict in advance how much this may be as it is determined by the needs found during your initial assessment. To help make this more financially feasible, sessions are often scheduled only two to four times per month.

Please call Backway’s Physical Therapy office for more information.

Do I need a doctor’s referral for Pelvic Floor PT?
No. In Arizona, clients can access PT directly, without a physician’s referral.

However, if you plan to utilize Medicare, a physician referral is REQUIRED.

Please note that Medicare does not cover referrals written by chiropractors, naturopaths, podiatrists, or dentists.

You mentioned that cyclists tend to have pelvic floor issues. Can you elaborate on this?

Yes, Cyclist Syndrome is a thing! A simplified answer to a complex issue is this:

Cyclists can be especially prone to pelvic floor issues due to:

Prolonged pressure of the saddle (seat) on the pelvic floor- A properly fitting saddle, and bike are essential. A professional bike fit is recommended- sooner than later.
Repetitive use injury- the complex way that you engage your back, hip, and core muscles hip muscles mile after mile can take a toll.
Weak or poorly coordinated core muscles- may encourage compensatory patterns in hip and pelvic floor, which can lead to pain.
Reduced blood flow and nerve compression- can lead to a whole slew of issues from numbness and pain to erectile dysfunction.

Common Symptoms of Cyclist Syndrome

Pain in “sit bones”, perienum, genitals, and/or anus
Pain with sitting, especially on the saddle
Urinary or bowel issues- such as leakage, frequent urination, delayed urine stream or constipation
Erectile Dysfunction
The sensation of a “lump” foreign object in your rectum or perineum

What Can I do?

Bike Less- (no one likes this option) But seriously, taking some time off can help the area heal. (Pro Tip: Cyclists should be performing cross-training anyways.)
Sit less- Lets be honest, mountain biking is more of a stand-up sport than most of us are giving it credit for. Less time with pressure “down there” equals less repetitive injury.
Take a look at your saddle- Your bike seat may not be fitting you as well as your think.
Professional Bike Fit- your bike problems may be more complicated than just the saddle. Having a physical therapist perform a professional bike fit can make a HUGE difference in your pelvic condition. (It can also reduce other bike related pains and greatly perform your performance)

McKinney Physical Therapy also offers Mountain Bike Fit service.

Learn more about PT Mountain Bike Fit

Pelvic floor PT- a specialized assessment can help determine if the issues is coming from tight hips, reduced blood flow, compressed nerves, poorly aligned pelvis, weak core, or a poorly fitted bike.

Do you work with transgender/transitioned males?

No, this is a highly specialized population who’s needs we are not skilled to assess or treat at this time. We are only able to provide pelvic floor PT to biological males