Introduction
Disclaimer: The purpose of this page is to provide an introductory discussion about men’s health exercises. Please note that additional training through a reputable spinal health education company is required before attempting the procedures described on this page. See the Resources section below this page provides links to pelvic and men’s health special interest groups.
The term gender is used to refer to a person’s biological masculinity or femininity, while the term gender is used to refer to the non-biological aspects of masculinity or femininity – the cultural expectations and roles of femininity and masculinity. [1]
This article will focus on the specialization of Men’s Health Physical Therapy, the treatment of male anatomy and physiology and related mental health and well-being. In the rest of the text, the term “male” refers to biologically male and “female” refers to biologically female. Page. For more information on women’s health or pelvic floor physiotherapy, read here. For transgender considerations, read here.
Men’s Health: a blanket term that refers to any issue condition or problem that may affect a man’s health or well-being.[2]
Masculinity and Healthcare Utilisation
Research has shown that men live shorter lives and are more likely to die from disease sooner than women. But men are more resistant to prophylaxis and access to health services. Concerns about threats to masculinity and emotions such as shame guilt and shame has been cited as barriers to accessing the health care system.[2] [3] .
Male stereotypes such as “strict and reclusive” are other cited barriers to health services utilization. The rejection of positive health practices such as seeking medical or physical support adds to the “masculine masculine identity structure” as A 2021 article by McGraw et al. [4] When looking at different generations, this study found that Gen Z and Millennials were more likely to follow traditional masculine identity structures than Gen X and Baby Boomers, and specific masculine norms depend on whether men are willing to Access to health care services. The researchers recommend that healthcare providers use a gender-sensitive approach that emphasizes specific masculine norms to encourage positive outcomes in men’s health. [4]
Please watch the 4 minute video below. This is a great example of how you can tailor your message to a specific male age group.
[5]
What is Meant by Men’s Health
Men’s health has traditionally focused on cardiovascular health and erectile function. Recent health problems in men include, but are not limited to:
- Bladder health
- Rectal dysfunction
- Sexual health and sexual function
- Pelvic pain
- Penile and scrotal pain
- Prostate cancer
- Breast cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Mental wellbeing and mental health
[2][6]
There are many important health conditions that can affect a man throughout his life. The American Urological Association has created a checklist that provides a breakdown of the problems by life decade and how to screen for them. [7]
Physiotherapy and Men’s Health
Currently, there is little formal training specifically in men’s health physiotherapy. Most physical therapists entering this fast-growing field have a background in women’s health/pelvic floor therapy and/or musculoskeletal therapy. [2]
Places for informal learning:
- Online continuing education
- In-person continuing education
- Mentorships
- New research
Men’s Health Basics:
- Pelvic floor anatomy and physiology
- Kinematic relationship of the pelvis to the rest of the body
- Sexual health including but not limited to erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, and pain and incontinence during orgasm
- Pelvic pain aetiology and management
- Incontinence problems involving the bowel and bladder
- Learn about common regional problem diagnoses, such as prostate cancer
Physiotherapy Scope of Practice
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, the scope of practice in physical therapy consists of three components: the professional jurisdiction and the individual. The scope of professional practice is based on the unique body of knowledge of the profession and is organized by The body of evidence is linked to existing or emerging frameworks of practice. The governing (i.e. legal) scope of practice is determined by the state practice act governing the licensure of a particular physical therapist and the rules adopted under that act. scope of personal practice Include activities for which the individual physical therapist has been educated and trained and that he or she is competent to perform. [8]
Men’s health physiotherapy is an emerging specialty field. Most practicing physical therapists do not receive the in-depth education and training required for this professional field during their entry-level education. Obtaining specialized equipment and receiving training is another important Aspects of successful and competent nursing. [2]
There are other medical professionals with a similar scope of practice in men’s health, including:
- Urologists
- Continence nurses
- Medical sexologist
[2][6]
Clinical Competence
There are currently no formal clinical guidelines for the men’s health physiotherapy profession. A 2020 study by Slade et al. [9] discusses the attributes of specialized physiotherapy incontinence clinicians. These skills include:
- Knowledge of male pelvis anatomy and physiology[2]
- Technical skills training and experience [2] [9]
- Clinical reasoning[9]
- Mentoring[2] [9]
- Research co-partnerships[9]
- Consumer-focused care[2] [9]
Informed Consent
According to the World Federation of Physiotherapy, informed consent is “an ethical and legal premise based on patient/client autonomy in deciding to participate in examinations/assessments assessing diagnostic prognosis/planning interventions/treatments Review, as well as any research activity, is carried out freely by competent individuals: who have received the necessary information; who have fully understood the information; who have considered the information and made a decision without coercion Undue influence induces or intimidates. “[10]
Qualified personnel should be provided with detailed information about proposed physical therapy, including:
- The planned examination/assessment
- Evaluate diagnosis and prognosis/plan
- Interventions/Treatment Offered
- Risks that may be associated with the intervention
- Expected benefits of intervention
- The anticipated time frames
- The anticipated costs
- Any reasonable alternatives to the recommended intervention
[11]
Due to the intimate nature of men’s health treatments, clear and detailed information is critical. Clear and specific language is important to ensure patient understanding. Important questions to review before a Men’s Health appointment include:
- What to wear
- Will they need to get undressed
- What body areas may be exposed
- Possibility of an internal examination
- Possible treatment techniques to expect
This information should be available in a variety of formats, such as your clinic website, social media and flyers or handouts with recommended sources. Time should be taken to answer all questions and resolve concerns before beginning treatment. Patients may need time to process the information And get the time and space you need to make your own clinician decisions. Consent should be given formally in writing prior to commencing therapeutic services. [2] [12]
This video provides an example of informed consent for pelvic floor physical therapy of any gender.
[13]
Infection Control
COVID-19 has put this aspect of professional practice on the minds of potential patients. Additionally, bodily fluids may be involved in this specialized healing practice. Proper barriers and protective equipment are required. Demonstrate proper hand hygiene in front of patients Contact throughout the session and as the case may be. Clinics should also develop appropriate cleaning and disinfection protocols between patient sessions. [2]
Room Setup Recommendations
- Private treatment and consultation areas with closable doors
- Align base so patient’s legs are away from door
- Have sink for hand hygiene
- Utilise proper draping techniques
[2]
Resources
- American Urological Association Checklist of Men’s Longevity Health Issues. [7]
- This video provides a more in-depth introduction to Men’s Health Physiotherapy by an American physical therapist specializing in Men’s Health Physiotherapy.
[14]
Professional associations and formal continuing education courses:
- American Physical Therapy Association: Pelvic Health Society
- American Physical Therapy Association: On Demand: Men’s Pelvic Pain Course
- Australian Physiotherapy Association: Men’s Health
- Australian Physiotherapy Association: Men’s Pelvic Health
References
- ↑ Lips HM. Sex and gender: An introduction. Waveland Press; 2020 Apr 10.
- ↑ Jump up to:2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 Roscher, P, Men’s Health. Introduction to Men’s Health. Plus. January 2022.
- ↑ McGraw JC, Russell-Bennett R, White KM. “He’s too much of a man to do that”: The role of masculine identities and self-conscious emotions in men’s help-seeking in preventative health. Frontiers in Service. 2019 Jul 19.
- ↑ Jump up to:4.0 4.1 McGraw J, White KM, Russell-Bennett R. Masculinity and men’s health service use across four social generations: Findings from Australia’s Ten to Men study. SSM-Population Health. 2021 Sep 1;15:100838.
- ↑ YouTube. Orlando Health Taboo Topics: Men’s Health. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xha73zMwwkg [last accessed 18/02/2022]
- ↑ Jump up to:6.0 6.1 Miner MM, Heidelbaugh J, Paulos M, Seftel AD, Jameson J, Kaplan SA. The intersection of medicine and urology: an emerging paradigm of sexual function, cardiometabolic risk, bone health, and men’s health centers. Medical Clinics. 2018 Mar 1;102(2):399-415.
- ↑ Jump up to:7.0 7.1 American Urological Association. Men’s Health Checklist. Available from https://www.auanet.org/membership/publications-overview/mens-health-checklist (accessed 18/02/2022).
- ↑ American Physical Therapy Association. Scope of Practice. Available from: https://www.apta.org/your-practice/scope-of-practice (accessed 17/02/2022).
- ↑ Jump up to:9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 Slade SC, Hay-Smith J, Mastwyk S, Morris ME, Frawley H. Attributes of physiotherapy continence clinicians: a qualitative perspective. Physiotherapy. 2020 Mar 1;106:119-27.
- ↑ World Physiotherapy. Informed consent: Policy statement. World Confederation for Physical Therapy, 2019.
- ↑ World Confederation for Physical Therapy. Informed Consent. Available from: https://world.physio/sites/default/files/2020-04/PS-2019-Informed-consent.pdf (accessed 18/02/2022).
- ↑ Copnell G. Informed consent in physiotherapy practice: it is not what is said but how it is said. Physiotherapy. 2018 Mar 1;104(1):67-71.
- ↑ YouTube. What to Expect at a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Appointment | Pelvic Health & Rehab Center. Available from:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKIH1hBNnZg [last accessed 18/02/2022]
- ↑ YouTube. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy for Men. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P86CfBh2xvM[last accessed 18/02/2022]