What is Chronic Prostatitis?
Chronic prostatitis (CP) is defined as pelvic pain and urinary urgency/frequency lasting longer than six weeks, without an infection or other identifiable cause. Chronic prostatitis negatively affects quality of life and sexual function in men of all ages. Often men will be treated with antibiotics but this is unsuccessful because there was no bacterial infection.
Symptoms
Hallmark symptoms of CP are pelvic pain (usually in the perineum, penis, testicles, lower stomach, or anus) and urinary urgency/frequency. Symptoms can also include:
Erectile dysfunction
Urethral burning
Pain with arousal/intercourse or ejaculation
Groin pain, tailbone pain, and/or low back pain
Needing to urinate at night
Anal and rectal pain
How Pelvic Physical Therapy Can Help
The muscles of the pelvic floor are usually the most common culprit when it comes to chronic prostatitis. Usually it is not the prostate’s “fault” but rather the muscles of the pelvic floor that are tight and have trigger points, irritating nerves that run through the region. Pelvic PTs are trained to assess your muscles, nerves, and joints and help restore normal function and optimize these areas.
Pelvic PT is actually one of the most proven treatments to help with chronic prostatitis and all of the related symptoms such as low back pain, GI issues, pain with erection, or erectile dysfunction. We utilize hands-on manual therapy treatments, stretches and targeted exercises, mindfulness and pain reducing strategies, and collaborate with your other health care providers to help you get better and find lasting relief for good.
Listed below are links to a variety of research articles and evidence support pelvic PT for chronic prostatitis:
1. Physical Therapist Management of Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. Linda S. Van Alstyne, Kendra L. Harrington and Esther M. Haskvitz. Physical TherapyDecember 2010 vol. 90no. 12 1795-1806.
2. Management of Men Diagnosed With Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Who Have Failed Traditional Management. J Curtis Nickel, MD, FRCSC,* Andrew P Baranowski, MD,† Michel Pontari, MD,‡ Richard E Berger, MD,§ and Dean A Tripp, PhD. Rev Urol. 2007 Spring; 9(2): 63–72.
3. Pelvic floor physical therapy for patients with prostatitis. Jeannette M. Potts MD, Elizabeth O’Dougherty PT. Current Urology Reports 2000, Volume 1, Issue 2, pp 155-158.
4. Integration of myofascial trigger point release and paradoxical relaxation training treatment of chronic pelvic pain in men. Anderson RU1, Wise D, Sawyer T, Chan C.J Urol. 2005 Jul;174(1):155-60
5. Changing Paradigms for Chronic Pelvic Pain. A Report from the Chronic Pelvic Pain/Chronic Prostatitis Scientific Workshop, October 19–21, 2005, Baltimore, MD: J. Curtis Nickel, MD, FRCSC,* Richard Berger, MD,† and Michel Pontari, MD. Rev Urol. 2006 Winter; 8(1): 28–35.
At Awake Pelvic Health & Wellness, your health and wellness are our top priority. We work hard to find the root cause of your symptoms to help you find lasting relief. Our approach is thorough and integrates evidence-based techniques with movement, mindfulness, and wellness.
Dr. Hannah Strom is the owner and founder of Awake Pelvic Health & Wellness. She is passionate about helping you move towards whole body healing and living the life you love and deserve. Interested in working with us? Click below to schedule a free 15-minute consult call or to book an appointment. We look forward to working with you!
