Prostate cancer rehabilitation
Specialist physiotherapy before and after prostate treatment, to help you regain bladder control, confidence and intimacy — as fully and as quickly as possible.
What it is
Recovering from prostate cancer treatment can be challenging, but with the right rehabilitation, many men can make significant improvements in their recovery and quality of life. At Birmingham Men’s Health Physiotherapy, Gerard Greene and his specialist team are passionate about helping men regain confidence after prostate cancer treatment.
We provide specialist rehabilitation for urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, pelvic floor dysfunction and returning safely to exercise and everyday activities. Every rehabilitation programme is tailored to the individual, combining the latest evidence with extensive clinical experience to help you achieve the best possible recovery.
Whether you’ve recently had surgery or are still struggling months or even years later, we’re here to help you take the next step in your recovery.
You're in the right place if…
Rehabilitation helps if you’re dealing with any of the following, before or after prostate treatment.
- Leaking urine when you cough, move, exercise or on the way to the toilet
- A sudden, urgent need to pee, or going very frequently
- Difficulty fully emptying your bladder
- Erectile changes or loss of erections after surgery
- Reduced confidence about continence, work or social situations
- Wanting to prepare properly before an upcoming operation
Why does it happen?
During prostate surgery, the muscles and nerves that help control the bladder and support erections are inevitably disturbed, and the natural support the prostate provided is changed. That’s why leaking and erectile difficulties are so common in the weeks and months afterwards — it’s an expected part of healing, not a sign anything has gone wrong.
The pelvic floor muscles can be trained to take on much of that control work — and the evidence is strong that starting before surgery and continuing afterwards speeds up recovery. Radiotherapy and hormone treatment can affect things differently, and we tailor the plan to whichever path you’re on.
How we help
Ideally we see you before your operation for “prehabilitation”: learning to find, strengthen and coordinate your pelvic floor properly, so those muscles are ready to work from day one of recovery. If you’ve already had surgery, it’s never too late to start.
Afterwards, we guide a progressive programme to restore continence, rebuild strength and confidence, and support the return of erections, coordinating with your surgical and oncology team throughout. Everything is paced to your recovery, with clear milestones so you can see yourself moving forward.
What your journey looks like
Most men regain good bladder control with a structured programme, and knowing what’s coming makes the whole process less daunting. Here’s the path:
- Prehab, where possible. Before surgery, we get your pelvic floor working well so you start recovery ahead.
- Early, guided recovery. After surgery, a safe, progressive plan to restore continence and confidence step by step.
- Building back fully. Ongoing support for strength, activity and intimacy, working alongside your medical team.
The questions men actually ask
When should I start — before or after surgery?
Before, ideally. Starting pelvic floor training in the weeks before your operation (prehabilitation) is shown to improve how quickly continence returns. But if you’ve already had surgery, starting now still makes a real difference.
Will my incontinence get better?
For the great majority of men, yes — bladder control improves significantly over the months after surgery, and a guided programme helps it return sooner and more fully. We’ll be honest about your individual picture as we go.
Can you help with erections after prostate surgery?
Yes. Erectile recovery is a recognised part of rehabilitation, and we support it with pelvic floor work and, where appropriate, other options — always alongside your surgical and oncology team.
Do you work with my consultant and oncology team?
Absolutely. We see ourselves as part of your wider team, complementing your medical care rather than replacing it, and we’re happy to communicate with them where that helps your recovery.
You don’t have to live with this
If any of the above sounds like you, the next step is simple. Ask us anything in confidence — no pressure, and no obligation to book.
Ask Gerard a question in confidence