Prostatectomy Rehabilitation in Norwich
Pelvic health physiotherapy can help you prepare for prostate surgery and support recovery afterwards. The main focus is often learning to use the pelvic floor muscles effectively, managing urinary leakage after catheter removal, and returning to daily activity with a clear plan.
Support is tailored to your operation, symptoms, medical advice, and goals. Physiotherapy works alongside — not instead of — your surgeon, specialist nurse, GP, and oncology or urology team.
Which Cliniko appointment should I book?
If this is your first appointment for this concern, choose Initial Pelvic Health – 60 mins (for women and men) or Initial Pelvic Health – 45 min Express Check (for women and men). If Ellie has already assessed you for this concern, choose Follow-up Pelvic Health – 45 mins or Follow-up Pelvic Health – 60 mins.
Before prostatectomy
If your surgical team agrees, learning pelvic floor exercises before surgery can make them easier to perform afterwards. Prostate Cancer UK advises beginning around four to six weeks before surgery where possible.
A pre-operative assessment can help you:
- Find and correctly activate the pelvic floor muscles.
- Practise both endurance and quicker contractions without overworking.
- Coordinate breathing and avoid unnecessary abdominal, buttock, or thigh tension.
- Understand how to use the muscles before coughing, standing, or lifting.
- Plan for the early recovery period and likely changes in bladder control.
After prostatectomy
Do not perform pelvic floor exercises while a urinary catheter is in place. Restart only after the catheter has been removed and in line with your surgical team’s advice.
Post-operative rehabilitation may include:
- Checking pelvic floor technique and tailoring the programme to your current ability.
- Strategies for leakage with walking, coughing, standing, lifting, or exercise.
- Bladder habits, fluid advice, and urge-management strategies where appropriate.
- Gradual return to walking, work, lifting, gym activity, and sport.
- Managing constipation and avoiding unnecessary straining.
- Support with confidence, pacing, and monitoring progress over time.
Urinary leakage is common after catheter removal and recovery varies. More exercise is not always better; pelvic floor muscles can fatigue, so technique, rest, and progression matter.
Sexual recovery
Prostate surgery can affect erections, orgasm, confidence, and relationships. These concerns deserve open discussion with your medical team. Physiotherapy can address pelvic floor function and physical confidence, while medication, devices, counselling, or specialist sexual rehabilitation may also be recommended.
Contact your medical team urgently if
You develop fever, worsening pain, inability to pass urine after catheter removal, heavy bleeding, increasing wound redness or discharge, calf swelling, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
FAQ
When should I start pelvic floor exercises? Ideally before surgery if your team agrees. After surgery, do not exercise with the catheter in place; restart after removal and follow your surgical team’s advice.
Can physiotherapy guarantee that leakage will stop? No. It can improve technique, progression, and symptom management, but recovery depends on several surgical and individual factors.
Is this only for radical prostatectomy? No. Pelvic floor rehabilitation may also help after other prostate procedures, but the plan should match the operation and your consultant’s guidance.
What should I bring to an appointment? Bring any operation details, discharge advice, catheter-removal date, medication information, and guidance provided by your hospital team.
Further information
For structured support before or after prostate surgery, view appointments and book.