5 Things to Do If You Are Experiencing Prostatitis

My name is Julien, I’m one of the few physiotherapists trained in men's pelvic health. I’m here today to break a few myths about Prostatitis, condition that I see almost daily.

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that results in recurrent pelvic pain, urination troubles, and even erectile dysfunction.

Sadly, men are usually alone when it comes to treating it. Doctors are not necessarily aware that rehabilitation is possible to help deal with this condition.

By using the combination of manual therapy, exercise therapy, and education, physiotherapist can empower patients to take an active role in their health and self-manage their condition. Here are 5 tips to help you deal with your symptoms better.

1. Consult Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

Sounds like an obvious thing to do. But it’s not that easy in practice. It can be difficult to find someone trained enough to help you. Pelvic floor dysfunction is one of the prevalent causes of prostatitis symptoms. The pelvic floor muscles stabilize the bladder, prostate, and bowel, and when the muscles tighten or weaken, they can aggravate pain and urinary symptoms.

How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Benefits:

• Manual Therapy: Hands-on methods assist in the release of tight pelvic floor muscles, which decrease tension and pain.

• Biofeedback Therapy: This therapy helps patients become aware of their pelvic muscle function and learn to relax and manage these muscles effectively.

• Specific Exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises are tailored to minimize pain and restore muscle balance.

Men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) often get symptom relief following pelvic floor physiotherapy. If you feel that your symptoms are caused by muscle dysfunction, consulting a pelvic health physiotherapist is a step towards relief.

2. Engage in Regular Physical Activity

Physical activity (like cardio) is beneficial for overall health, but it is also very important in to help you deal with prostatitis-related pain and inflammation.

Benefits of Exercise for Prostatitis:

• Reduces Inflammation: Moderate exercise has anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce pelvic pain.

• Improves Circulation: Exercise improves prostate and pelvic circulation, accelerating healing.

• Relieves Stress: Prostatitis symptoms may be aggravated by chronic stress. Exercise causes endorphins to be released, calming the body.

Recommended Exercises:

• Walking or Light Jogging: Low-impact aerobic exercise enhances circulation without exerting excessive pressure on the pelvic area.

• Stretching & Yoga: Exercise that targets the lower back, hips, and pelvic region is helpful in loosening muscle tension.

• Core Strengthening Exercises: Abdominal and pelvic muscle strengthening will improve posture and reduce prostate strain.

• Avoid sitting or high-impact exercise because they can actually worsen the symptoms. Move instead to those exercises that support relaxation and freedom of movement.

Your physiotherapist will be able to create a tailored exercises plan for you after an evaluation.

3. Modify Your Diet to Reduce Inflammation

Diet plays a small role in managing prostatitis symptoms. Certain foods and beverages can inflame the bladder and prostate, while others reduce inflammation.

Avoid the following:

• Caffeine and Alcohol: They can increase urinary urgency and irritation.

• Spicy and Acidic Foods: Tomatoes, citrus fruits, and spicy foods can exacerbate symptoms.

• Processed Sugars and Saturated Fats: These are inflammatory agents that can trigger discomfort.

Foods to Add:

• Anti-inflammatory Foods: Leafy greens, berries, and nuts contain antioxidants that reduce inflammation.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts are anti-inflammatory.

• Probiotic-rich Foods: Yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables support gut health, which is linked to prostate health.

• Dietary changes like these can significantly alleviate prostatitis symptoms, reducing pain and inflammation over time.

4. Manage Stress

Prostatitis symptoms can worsen with stress and anxiety. Managing your stress will play a significant role in dealing with your symptoms.

You can try:

• Deep Breathing Techniques: Diaphragmatic breathing techniques can calm down the pelvic floor muscles and decrease tension.

• Meditation & Mindfulness: Both techniques help to redirect the mind, decreasing pain sensation and anxiety.

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tension and relaxation of different muscle groups in a deliberate manner can cut down on spasms in the pelvic area.

A comprehensive treatment with involvement of physiotherapy, management of stress, and lifestyle modifications is generally the most effective treatment for chronic prostatitis.

5. Hydrate and Improve Urinary Bladder Health

Equate fluid and prostate and urinary tract health are essential. Maintenance of adequate water intake avoids irritating the bladder and improves overall functioning.

Tips on Hydration

• Drink Lots of Water: Try for a minimum of 2 liters (64 ounces) daily to remove toxins and decrease urinary irritation.

• Reduce Bladder Irritants: Restrict excessive use of caffeine, carbonated beverages, and alcohol.

• Keep Healthy Urination Pattern: Don't hold urine too long, as this may tire the bladder and prostate.

With proper hydration and minor changes in lifestyle, many men see their urinary function and pelvic pain improve.

Conclusion

Prostatitis may be a painful condition, but with a good plan, its symptoms can be easily managed. Pelvic floor physiotherapy, exercise, diet changes, stress management, and hydration are all help in maintaining prostate health.

I’m Julien Trapeau, a physiotherapist based in Ottawa. I completed my master's degree at the University of Ottawa in 2017, then pursued another master's degree in Comprehensive Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at the University of Western Ontario in 2021, becoming an FCAMPT. I’m the co-owner of the Kinoveo Physiotherapy Clinic in Kanata. I love sports, including soccer and boxing, and have a strong passion for medical research, maybe a bit too much!