Chronic prostatitis is a condition that affects many men but is often misunderstood—and frequently misdiagnosed. If you’re experiencing persistent pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, or discomfort during or after ejaculation, pelvic floor physical therapy may be the missing link in your treatment and provides a non-invasive, evidence-based solution to chronic pelvic pain.
What Is Prostatitis?
Prostatitis is the inflammation or irritation of the prostate gland, a small gland that sits just below the bladder and contributes to seminal fluid. Prostatitis can be caused by a bacterial infection, but often, especially in chronic cases, no infection is found.
Common Symptoms of Prostatitis
- Pelvic or perineal pain (the area between the scrotum and anus)
- Discomfort or burning with urination
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Painful ejaculation
- Pain in the penis, testicles, or lower back
- A feeling of pressure or tightness in the pelvic floor
These symptoms can range from mild to severe and significantly impact quality of life.
Acute Prostatitis
Acute bacterial prostatitis comes on suddenly and is typically caused by a bacterial infection. It’s often accompanied by fever, chills, and severe urinary symptoms. This form requires immediate medical attention and is usually treated with antibiotics.
Chronic Prostatitis
Also known as Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS), this is the most common form of prostatitis. Symptoms persist for three months or more and often lack an identifiable bacterial cause. In many cases, chronic prostatitis is not caused by infection but by muscular tension, nerve irritation, or dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles.
This is where pelvic floor physical therapy comes in.
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help
Many men with chronic prostatitis experience pelvic floor dysfunction—tight, uncoordinated, or overactive muscles in the pelvic region that contribute to or worsen their symptoms.
Pelvic floor physical therapy aims to:
- Reduce tension in overactive pelvic floor muscles
- Improve coordination and control of the pelvic floor
- Decrease pain and urinary symptoms
- Support better bladder and sexual function
- Address any postural, breathing, or movement patterns contributing to the dysfunction
Our clinic specializes in men’s pelvic floor physical therapy, offering a comprehensive, one-on-one approach that targets the root cause—not just the symptoms.
What Treatment Is Like
At your first visit, your physical therapist will take a detailed history and perform an assessment of your posture, breathing, core and hip strength, and pelvic floor function. Internal or external assessment may be used depending on your comfort level.
Your customized treatment plan may include:
- Myofascial release and other manual therapy techniques to release tension
- Biofeedback training to improve pelvic muscle awareness and relaxation
- Breathwork and diaphragmatic breathing to calm the nervous system and reduce pressure
- Targeted exercises to improve coordination and mobility of the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles
- Education on bladder habits, posture, and self-management tools
Treatment is typically weekly or biweekly and tailored to your goals. Many patients report significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life within just a few weeks.
Why Choose Pelvic Floor PT for Chronic Prostatitis?
Unlike medications or surgery, pelvic floor physical therapy treats the musculoskeletal contributors to pelvic pain. For men who have tried antibiotics, prostate medications, or other approaches without success, pelvic floor therapy often provides the missing piece of the puzzle.
You’re Not Alone—And You Don’t Have to Live With Chronic Pelvic Pain
Our clinic offers a safe, compassionate space for men to talk about and treat issues that are often hard to discuss. We specialize in pelvic floor rehabilitation for men and offer the time, attention, and expertise needed to help you heal.
