Pelvic floor physiotherapy is an essential but often overlooked part of recovery following bladder cancer surgery, especially for those with an orthotopic neobladder. At this in-person education event in Hamilton, ON, in May 2025, Christina Dzieduszycki combines education and live demonstration to explain the importance of pelvic floor physiotherapy as a treatment for bladder cancer patients. She breaks down the female and male pelvic anatomy, explains the mechanics of urinary control, and addresses post-operative challenges such as incontinence, erectile dysfunction, scar tissue, bladder leakage, and constipation.
What Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Involves
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and other pelvic organs, contributing to urinary control, sexual function, core stability, and healthy bowel movement. Pelvic floor physiotherapists assess these muscles and retrain them using techniques such as external palpation, biofeedback, breathing exercises, and coordinated movement training.
Why Pelvic Floor Therapy is Important After Neobladder Surgery
A neobladder is created from intestinal tissue, meaning it does not contract like a natural bladder. Instead, emptying relies on abdominal pressure and coordinated pelvic floor activation. Many patients benefit from neobladder recovery physiotherapy to learn these new mechanics safely and effectively.
Some common post-surgical challenges include:
- Incontinence (especially nighttime leakage)
- Difficulty emptying the neobladder (hypercontinence)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Bladder leakage during activity
- Scar tissue affecting movement
- Constipation or digestive changes
Pelvic physiotherapists use targeted strategies, like diaphragmatic breathing, posture adjustments, safe abdominal pressure, timed voiding, and pelvic floor exercises for incontinence, to help patients regain control and improve daily function.
Rebuilding Core Strength After Surgery
Bladder cancer surgery interrupts the function of deep core muscles. Pelvic floor physiotherapy helps retrain these stabilizers through guided activation work. Improving core strength supports better bladder control, reduces leakage, and helps prevent scar tissue from limiting mobility.
Managing Digestive and Bowel Changes After Surgery
Because part of the intestine is used to form the neobladder, many patients experience changes in digestion. Pelvic physiotherapists teach abdominal massage techniques, proper positioning, and exercises that encourage movement through the colon, helping reduce bloating, constipation, and sluggishness.
Take a Step Toward Healing with Bladder Cancer Canada
For many patients, pelvic floor therapy after bladder cancer provides a reassuring, empowering path toward stronger recovery. With the right guidance, individuals can regain control, rebuild strength, and improve their quality of life after surgery.
Bladder Cancer Canada has a variety of ways to get involved, offering trusted education, support programs, and resources for every step of your journey.
