How physiotherapy can help manage prostate problems in men

Created on

14/9/2026

Last updated on

5/10/2026

Written by Hannah Gray, Women's and Men's Health Specialist Physiotherapist.
Medically reviewed by James Walker, Service Development Director & Senior Physiotherapist, on 14/09/26.

Prostate problems are common in men, particularly as you get older, and can affect how easily you pass urine and manage your bladder. An enlarged prostate is one of the most common causes.¹

While symptoms can feel frustrating or worrying, many men find that the right advice and treatment can bring a meaningful difference. Men's health physiotherapy at the White House Clinic is available at our Chesterfield clinic, and it is part of our wider men's health service.

What is the prostate gland?

The prostate is a small gland below the bladder which helps produce semen and plays a role in controlling the flow of urine.¹

What is an enlarged prostate?

An enlarged prostate is a common condition and it becomes more likely with age, usually affecting men over 50.¹

What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?

When the prostate gland gets bigger, it puts pressure on the tube that carries urine. This can cause unwelcome symptoms, from difficulty initiating urination to urinary leakage.

The main symptoms are:¹

Difficulty passing urine, or having to strain
A weak stream or one that stops and starts
A feeling that you cannot empty your bladder fully
Dribbling urine after urinating
Needing to go to the toilet more often, or more urgently, including getting up in the night

The symptoms usually develop slowly, and some treatments can help. If you recognise these symptoms, it is a good idea to speak to your GP.

If you find you are suddenly unable to pass urine at all, particularly with pain low in the abdomen, that needs urgent medical attention rather than a routine appointment.

What happens at a men's health physiotherapy appointment for prostate symptoms?

Men's health physiotherapy can help you better manage your symptoms as well as improve bladder control. At your appointment, your physiotherapist will ask about your prostate symptoms and general health. They may assess your pelvic floor muscles, and will then create a bespoke treatment programme built around what they find.

Your treatment programme may include:

Pelvic floor exercises
Bladder re-training
Practical ways to manage symptoms
Advice on regaining your fitness and general wellbeing

Your men's health physiotherapist can liaise with your GP and medical team to ensure you achieve the best possible outcomes.

The pelvic floor is often overlooked until symptoms develop. You can learn more about it in our article on pelvic floor exercises for men.

Our women's health physiotherapy service page sets out what an initial pelvic health appointment involves in more detail. The same assessment process applies for men.

What happens at a men's health physiotherapy appointment after treatment for prostate cancer?

Lifetime risk of prostate cancer differs by ethnicity. In England, around 1 in 8 White men and around 1 in 4 Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.² Sometimes prostate surgery and treatments for prostate cancer can cause bladder and bowel problems.

Specialist men's health physiotherapists will listen to your symptoms, answer any questions and work through any concerns you may have.

During your appointment, your physiotherapist will:

Ask about your prostate symptoms, relevant medical history and general health
Recommend an assessment of your pelvic floor muscles
Create a treatment programme

Treatment may include:

Pelvic floor exercises
Bladder re-training
Practical ways to manage symptoms
Advice on returning to activity and improving your general wellbeing

Given the right support, many men can improve their symptoms and feel more confident in their day-to-day life.

Book an appointment

This article is general information and not a substitute for individual assessment. Book an appointment or call 0114 230 2030 to speak to our team. Women's and Men's Health Physiotherapy is not yet listed in the online booking options, so call 0114 230 2030 or email info@whitehouse-clinic.co.uk and they will briefly go over your concerns and identify the best person for you to see.

About the author

Hannah Gray is a Women's and Men's Health Specialist Physiotherapist at the White House Clinic in Chesterfield. She qualified as a chartered physiotherapist in 2004 and has gained considerable clinical experience working within the NHS for over twenty years. She is a member of the Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) specialist interest group, and in her own words her expertise lies in "the assessment and treatment of both female and male patients with pelvic floor dysfunction". She has extensive experience working within specialist cancer teams supporting patients with gynaecological, colo-rectal and urological cancers. You can read more on Hannah's profile.