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MEN'S HEALTH ISSUES

Advances in Knowledge

Throughout the natural progression of his life a man has a statistically significant chance of encountering one or more physical challenges unique to his sex. Bowel, urinary, sexual and painful dysfunctions may present in a variety of expressions, creating physical, emotional, and even spiritual distress, and corresponding necessity for unwanted changes in lifestyle. Medical intervention in these situations has commonly relied upon surgery and prescription drugs, often creating less than optimal outcomes, frequently with their own undesirable side effects.

 

Recently, increased awareness of this limitation in knowledge and treatment options has led many physical therapists and massage therapists to develop alternative care strategies and approaches for men suffering with these conditions. With advances in knowledge, and the development of highly specialized skills, licensed therapists have become profoundly successful at providing significant relief and improvement in function for many suffering men.

 

Conditions Treated

Some of the many conditions that can be helped by pelvic floor therapies are:

 

  • Urinary incontinence/retention (Overflow Incontinence and Stress Incontinence)
  • Urinary urgency/frequency
  • Painful urination
  • Post-void dribble
  • Prostatitis (Non-bacterial)
  • Pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
  • Burning ejaculation
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Painful scars and adhesions
  • Pudendal nerve entrapment
  • Post pelvic surgeries
  • Pain with intercourse
  • Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
  • Coccyx (tailbone) pain
  • Abdominal/groin pain

 

Comprehensive Approach

At Hands-On Healing, my comprehensive approach to treatment of men's health issues encompasses the mental, physical and emotional factors contributing to their painful dysfunction. Program emphasis is on self-care, educating men about the contributing sources of physical, and psycho-emotional stresses that create their physical symptoms is the first step in correcting those influences. Thorough assessment of each individual is accomplished through a careful listening to their history, presenting symptoms, and concerns; followed by a physical examination, leading to a treatment diagnosis and plan. Many men choose to include their partners in aspects of their care, and are welcome to invite their participation in many phases of the treatment program.

 

Treatment Options

Treatment options vary for each individual, by condition, and may include:

 

  • Manual therapy – internal and external myofascial release, internal and external trigger point release, joint mobilization, and therapeutic neuromuscular massage.
  • Pelvic floor muscle neuromuscular re-education, coordination and strength training.
  • Lumbopelvic stabilization exercises, core strengthening and flexibility training.
  • Patient education – dietary, activity modification, behavioral, postural.
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Modalities – Laser, frequency-specific microcurrent stimulation
  • Comprehensive home exercise program instruction

 

A Comfortable Environment

The delicate and sensitive nature of a man's pelvic floor, combined with numerous social and cultural taboos associated with this area, has contributed to a lack of essential knowledge available to men about the care and healthy functioning of this aspect of their bodies. It is my intention to assist you in learning to appreciate where your pelvic floor is, what it feels like, what the muscles do, how they are related to the integrity of the core, and how they support functions associated with them. You may at the same time become aware of emotional and energetic aspects of this key area as well as excess tension or weakness, and how these effect other areas of your body.

 

As a male therapist delivering these services, I believe that I create a safe and comfortable environment in which you feel confident in expressing your thoughts and concerns, as well as in receiving the care that is essential to your well-being. I welcome questions about my work including any concerns you may have. Contact me online, or call me at 828-484-7399. Please note that all appointments are established by you online with my automated scheduling service. An initial examination will be 90 minutes and is listed as Physical Therapy Evaluation. I look forward to being in service to you.