Prostate cancer treatment can be lifesaving, but recovery often brings challenges that affect daily life. Many men in Florida notice changes in bladder control, pelvic comfort, sexual function, and overall confidence after surgery or radiation. The good news is that these issues are common, understandable, and highly treatable with the right plan.
Pelvic therapy focuses on restoring muscle coordination, circulation, and nerve health so you can return to normal activities with less worry. At Davenport Pelvic Therapy, we specialize in men’s pelvic health and build personalized, non surgical programs that fit the realities of recovery. If you are navigating prostate cancer recovery in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, or anywhere in between, you do not have to figure it out alone.
Why Pelvic Therapy Helps After Prostate Cancer Treatment
The pelvic floor forms the foundational support system for bladder and sexual function. After prostate surgery or radiation, these muscles can tighten, weaken, or simply lose their normal timing. That shift can lead to urinary leakage, urgency, dribbling after voiding, pelvic pressure, or changes in erections and sensitivity.
Pelvic therapy addresses these issues by improving muscle awareness, rebuilding coordination, and reducing tension that irritates nerves. It also supports healthy blood flow, which is important for healing tissues and for sexual function.
Common Post-Treatment Concerns We Address
- Urinary leakage with coughing, lifting, or walking
- Strong urges that are hard to control
- Dribbling after urination
- Pelvic or perineal soreness and tightness
- Erectile changes, decreased sensitivity, or performance anxiety
- Core weakness and posture changes after surgery
Every man’s recovery looks different. Our job is to identify the drivers behind your symptoms and match them with the right strategies, rather than relying on a one size fits all routine.
What Pelvic Therapy Looks Like
Your first visit is a conversation about your medical history, treatment timeline, current symptoms, and goals. We explain what therapy involves and map out a plan that fits your energy level and schedule. An assessment may include breathing and posture, hip and low back mobility, and a gentle evaluation of pelvic floor function if appropriate.
Treatment often combines several methods:
- Targeted pelvic floor training to retrain timing, strength, and relaxation so the muscles can support continence without guarding
- Biofeedback to show muscle activity in real time so you learn correct activation and release
- Manual therapy to address tenderness, scar tissue mobility, and nerve irritation in surrounding tissues
- Breathing and pressure strategies so lifting, coughing, and daily movement do not overload the pelvic floor
- Home practice built around short sessions you can stick with, even on busy days
Learn more about our approach on the prostate cancer services page.
How Shockwave Therapy Can Complement Recovery
In select cases, we pair pelvic therapy with SoftWave Tissue Regenerative Therapy, a form of shockwave therapy that uses gentle acoustic waves to support circulation and tissue repair. For men experiencing pelvic pain, scar tissue sensitivity, or vascular changes that affect erectile function, this combination can enhance outcomes by improving blood flow and reducing tissue restriction. Read more on our shockwave therapy page.
Florida-Specific Considerations
Recovery does not happen in a vacuum. Heat and humidity increase sweat loss, so hydration habits matter for bladder comfort. Many Florida men spend long stretches in the car on I-4 or the Turnpike, which can aggravate pelvic tension. We help you plan hydration and restroom timing for busy days, teach brief movement breaks that relax the pelvic floor during long drives, and offer strategies for returning to walking, golf, and gym routines safely.
When To Start Therapy
Always follow your surgeon’s or oncologist’s guidance. Many men begin pelvic therapy soon after they are cleared for activity, which may be within weeks of surgery. Others start later if symptoms persist after initial healing. There is no wrong time to seek help. The key is choosing a plan that respects your stage of recovery and builds steadily from there.
Results and Timelines
Meaningful change often appears within several weeks when therapy and home practice are consistent. Typical goals include fewer leaks, improved ability to delay urges, better confidence during daily movement, and progress with erectile function. Every recovery is unique, so we set clear checkpoints and adjust the plan based on your response.
Evidence You Can Trust
Authoritative organizations provide practical guidance on life after prostate cancer, including continence and sexual function. The American Cancer Society offers patient-friendly information on urinary changes after treatment and strategies to manage them. See their overview of recovery topics here: American Cancer Society: After Prostate Cancer Treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pelvic therapy safe soon after surgery if my doctor has cleared me?
Yes. Once your surgeon confirms you are ready, therapy can begin with gentle strategies that match your stage of healing.
Will pelvic therapy help with leakage and urgency?
Pelvic therapy retrains muscle timing and control, teaches urge suppression skills, and improves pressure management during daily activities. These steps help reduce leaks and urgency.
Can therapy support erections after prostate cancer treatment?
Improving circulation, reducing muscle guarding, and restoring coordination can support sexual function. We also teach strategies that reduce anxiety and improve confidence during intimacy.
How often do I need to come to therapy?
Plans vary. Many men start with weekly sessions, then taper as symptoms improve. Short daily practice at home is the key to lasting success.
Do I need a referral, and what if I live outside Orlando?
Many men self-refer, and we coordinate with your medical team when helpful. We serve Greater Orlando and South Florida and can guide you on scheduling options that reduce travel.
Taking The Next Step
You do not have to accept leakage, pelvic discomfort, or uncertainty about intimacy as your new normal. With a plan that respects your body and your goals, you can rebuild control and move forward with confidence. Start with a conversation so we can tailor a path that fits your life.
Schedule a free consultation or learn more about our approach on the prostate cancer services page. If pelvic pain is part of your recovery, you can also explore resources on pelvic pain and prostatitis.