The Nuts & Bolts of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training & Exercise in Prostate Cancer

Introduction to pelvic floor muscle training in men with a focus on Prostate Cancer (PCa). As 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with PCa globally, Physiotherapists have a significant role to play in the pre and rehabilitation of men requiring treatment. Despite more than 45 RCTs, there has been limited evidence to support PFM training in men due to mixed efficacy. However, building on 15 years of clinical expertise and her recently completed PhD, Dr jo Milios will share her recently published high-intensity protocols for continence and erectile function recovery following Radical Prostatectomy, that are a world first and based on functional training aligned to clinical presentations.

Historically, men have had very minimal support in preparation for Prostate Cancer treatment- including surgery and radiation patients-, however educating Urologists is a responsibility Physiotherapists can now adopt, utilizing this robust new scientific evidence. This workshop will tour the history of Prostate Cancer management from both a clinical and research perspective and will cover both urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, as most men undergoing treatment will experience both. For those undergoing radiation therapy, evidence is sparse, however, further research is being developed, as many men will also experience bowel dysfunction and this is an additional quality of life impact.

Whole body exercise prescription for men diagnosed with Prostate Cancer will also be presented, based on the work of Jo’s not for profit-charity ‘PROST! Exercise 4 Prostate Cancer.inc”. and the vast body of evidence already in existence to support this. Physiotherapists can add so much value to this patient caseload and links to a new on-line program will be introduced, that can be immediately translated to practice.

Audience: This online course is open to physiotherapists, nurses, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, naturopaths, chiropractors, medical doctors, and any other licensed health care provider.