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Physical therapy after RP. what is involved?

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Posted 9/9/2017 7:42 AM (GMT 0)
My PT is with a local high volume hospital.
My pt has started me on the suction device daily to keep blood flow.
My pt advised me to get a Cunningham clamp or mr dribble stop. I use it for short duration. Pt says it will help bladder to expand, same as pre surgery.
My pt had me get a rectal probe and tens unit which I use daily. Seems to really strengthen pelvic floor muscles. Pt set up the program on the tens unit. Program is 30 minutes each day.
Pt prescribed various Kagel and stretching exercises to do daily.

Others I have talked to did none of these procedures except the Kagel exercises.
Any comments welcome
Posted 9/9/2017 9:11 AM (GMT 0)
I'm curious -- Did your urologist refer you to a PT? When was your surgery? Have you had a prolonged period of incontinence? I think most guys get dry without PT, but it might make sense if you are not regaining continence. It took me about 9 months.
Posted 9/9/2017 1:41 PM (GMT 0)
All I did was kegels and walked a bunch.
Posted 9/9/2017 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
I've been here for a few years and haven't seen recommendations like that before. Kegals and walking was the most common procedure back to continence. It takes time and you need to be careful with the choices you make for eating and drinking. Things that irritate the bladder will make it harder to stay dry

Good luck! Keep working at it
Posted 9/9/2017 2:06 PM (GMT 0)
No PT or any of those devices either. Just kegals and luck. However, if the kegals and luck didn't work I would have certainly sought assistance. If you've got the assistance out of the gate though might as well take advantage of it.

What is the suction device? Are you talking about a penis pump to assist with erection rehab? If so, definitely interesting that a PT is helping with that. Keep up the good work!
Posted 9/10/2017 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
Just walking, which really helped recover form the surgery..
Posted 9/10/2017 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
2 weeks after RP, my UR prescribed the PT. I started the PT right away. The PT is primarily concerned with regaining my continence. But is also concerned with preserving blood flow to my penis. Penile rehab is part of the program and as I had complete nerve removal, I was advised to start penile injections at 7 weeks. The program wants oxygenated blood flow into the penis at least once a week for vascular health even if not needed for intercorse, and use the suction device daily for 10 minutes. Besides these other things the PT works with me on emotional issues. She is part PT and physiologist and spends time helping me get through all the crap involved with this operation.
I am going on 6 weeks since the operation and am starting to get urinary control. Have my Trimix and an appointment with UR next week to start injections.
Even though I have drive 45 miles to the PT, I highly recommend it. Thanks for the replies.
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