Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: 4 things you should know about treatment

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a condition that researchers estimate affects anywhere from 8% to 25% of men in the U.S. It involves chronic pelvic pain and urinary dysfunction that usually first gets its start after a bacterial infection. There are four types of prostatitis: chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis, acute bacterial prostatitis, and chronic bacterial prostatitis. CP/CPPS is the most commonly occurring of these four types. Do you struggle with this condition? Here’s why you should consider pelvic floor rehabilitation.

What are the general symptoms of CP/CPPS?

Many symptoms are associated with this condition, but these symptoms vary depending on the type of CPPS a person has. These are some of the general symptoms of CPPS:

• Pain and discomfort in the scrotum and anus.
• Pain and discomfort in the abdomen.
• Pain and discomfort in the penis.
• Pain and discomfort in the lower back.
• Pain when ejaculating.
• Sexual dysfunction.
• Pain during urination.
• Urinary incontinence.
• Cloudy urine.
• Blood in urine.
• Flu-like symptoms.

What are the causes of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome?

There are a few factors that experts believe can lead a person to develop CP/CPPS; these factors can vary depending on the type of chronic pelvic pain syndrome a person has. These factors include:

• Bacterial infection.
• A bacterial infection that isn’t treated correctly.
• History of infection.
• Body system dysfunction.
• Hormone abnormalities.
• Stress.

How can physical therapy help someone with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome?

Pelvic health treatment from a physical therapist isn’t just for women. It can be beneficial for men, too. Here’s how physical therapy can help men with CP/CPPS:

• Alleviate pain — One way that physical therapy can help men dealing with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is by alleviating some of their pain. Physical therapists use exercise to treat a variety of physical conditions, including those that cause pelvic pain. Research shows that exercise is capable of reducing pain in those who have CP/CPPS. Gentle exercise and movement led by a therapist can increase healing by boosting circulation. That’s just one of the reasons why seeking treatment from a physical therapist is a great way to treat your CP/CPPS symptoms. 
• Decrease inflammation — Exercise during physical therapy can reduce the level of inflammation that is affecting someone with CPPS. Regular exercise can encourage blood flow throughout the body and to the pelvis. Increased blood flow not only promotes healing but can also significantly decrease inflammation, which is responsible for pain and swelling. Anyone dealing with CP/CPPS should consider getting physical therapy treatment because it may reduce the inflammation in their pelvis. 
• Build pelvic muscle strength — Physical therapy can also be helpful for those struggling to manage CP/CPPS because it helps them build strength in their pelvic muscles. Some of the symptoms of this condition, like pelvic discomfort and urinary incontinence, can be improved by strengthening the muscles. 
• Reduce symptoms of urinary incontinence — Another reason to try physical therapy treatment for managing CP/CPPS is to address urinary continence. PT can address urinary incontinence symptoms by strengthening muscles in the pelvis as well as through biofeedback and pelvic floor training.

Let Advent Physical Therapy help you improve your chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

If you’re experiencing chronic pain that occurs in your pelvic area or during urination, our physical therapists can help. At Advent Physical Therapy, we use a variety of evidence-based PT treatments to help each one of our patients improve their physical condition, including those who need their chronic pelvic pain syndrome addressed.

Our patients’ health and wellness are our first priority at Advent Physical Therapy. We understand how much reducing your pain means to you. When it comes to your pelvic health, we’ve got you covered. Our physical therapists want to help you address your pelvic pain. We’re a team-oriented group of professionals who work with each of our patients jointly to create the best outcomes for all. 

We can help you create a treatment plan to optimize your pelvic health even years from now. We value building relationships with our patients and helping them prevent pain and injury. Do you think treatment with us sounds like the right option for you? Let us provide a free screening to help you address your health.

Contact our team today for more information on how we can help or to schedule an initial appointment with us.