Life After Prostate Surgery: Regaining Strength & Confidence With Physiotherapy
Prostate surgery, whether for cancer treatment or benign prostate issues, is a major milestone in a man’s health journey. While the surgery itself is only one part of the process, the recovery that follows is equally important. Many men feel uncertain about what to expect after returning home, especially when it comes to regaining strength, bladder control, and normal daily function.
This is where physiotherapy plays a vital role.
Why Physiotherapy Matters After Prostate Surgery
Prostate surgery can impact several areas of the body, including pelvic floor muscles, bladder function, abdominal strength, posture, and overall mobility. Without proper rehabilitation, men may experience:
Urinary leakage or urgency
Pelvic discomfort
Reduced core strength
Stiffness from reduced movement
Fatigue and low confidence
Difficulty returning to exercise or sexual activity
Physiotherapy provides a safe, structured approach to rebuilding strength and restoring confidence at your own pace.
1. Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: The Foundation of Recovery
The pelvic floor muscles play a critical role in bladder control. After prostate surgery, these muscles often weaken, leading to stress incontinence. A specialised pelvic health physiotherapist can help you:
Learn how to properly activate the pelvic floor (many men unknowingly do it incorrectly)
Release tension if the muscles are too tight
Strengthen the deep core and pelvic floor together
Build endurance to reduce leakage during daily activities
Tailor exercises for walking, lifting, and returning to work or sport
Starting pelvic floor training before surgery is ideal, but beginning even weeks afterward can make a huge difference.
2. Restoring Core Strength & Stability
Abdominal and deep core muscles can become weak or inhibited post-surgery. A gradual strengthening programme helps support posture, bladder control, and overall movement. Physiotherapy may include:
Deep breathing and core activation
Gentle mobility work
Progressive strengthening for the lower back, hips, and abdomen
Postural retraining to reduce strain and fatigue
This foundation is essential for returning to exercise safely.
3. Building Fitness & Reducing Fatigue
Fatigue is a common side effect after prostate surgery, especially if cancer treatments like radiotherapy or hormone therapy are involved. A physiotherapist can create a graded exercise plan that:
Boosts cardiovascular fitness
Improves energy levels
Helps manage weight changes
Supports mental wellbeing
Walking, strength training, and flexibility work are all introduced progressively to match your ability and confidence.
4. Managing Sexual Health Concerns
Changes in sexual function, such as erectile difficulties or reduced confidence, are common and completely normal after surgery. Physiotherapy can help by:
Improving pelvic floor strength and blood flow
Addressing scar tissue, tension, or pain
Supporting body confidence and function
Liaising with your medical team for further interventions if needed
Men often appreciate having a private, supportive space to discuss these concerns.
5. Returning to Daily Life With Confidence
Recovery is not only physical, it’s emotional. Many men feel anxious about leakage, exercise, or intimacy. Physiotherapy provides reassurance through education, personalised exercises, and realistic goal-setting. With the right support, men can expect to:
Gain better bladder control
Return to work and hobbies
Regain physical strength
Improve intimacy and body confidence
Move without fear or hesitation
When to Start Physiotherapy
Most men benefit from starting physiotherapy:
Before surgery (pelvic floor training significantly improves post-surgery outcomes)
6–8 weeks after surgery, or sooner if recommended by your consultant
Any time later, even months or years afterward, improvement is still possible
Final Thoughts
Life after prostate surgery can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Physiotherapy provides clear guidance, proven exercises, and emotional support every step of the way. With a tailored rehab plan, men can regain strength, independence, and confidence, often beyond what they expected.
If you’re recovering from prostate surgery and want support, reach out to a pelvic health physiotherapist. The right rehabilitation can make all the difference.
Men’s Health Clinic
Here at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic we have years of experience in helping men through a range of different health issues.