The Renew XY Health Program for Men has a psysiotherapy approach to pelvic floor muscle (PFM) dysfunction, but the program promotes overall “whole body” wellness as well, connecting the mind and the body. The Renew XY Program is used to heal men’s pelvic pain and pelvic disorders, which are often disguised/misdiagnosed as prostatitis. In fact, about 50% of all prostatitis cases are related to pelvic disorders. The Program teaches and trains the man to achieve relief from pelvic tension and related pain. It is one of several alternative treatments for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) and it can be used in conjunction with other natural and alternative treatments.
Isa Herrera, MSPT, CSCS, developed the The Renew XY Health Program™ for Men (the “XY Program”). The Renew XY Health Program focuses on physiotherapy for PFM dysfunction. In addition to training men how they can relieve their own pelvic pain, the program also focuses on positive thinking and keeping an open mind.
The emotional health component is important because many men who suffer from long-term pelvic pain also experience depression, anxiety, or feelings of hopelessness. Many men feel embarrassed that they experience incontinence, and sometimes having or painful sex can strain their personal relationships. This program addresses all these needs, which is key to really ending pelvic tension.
How Does Treating the Pelvic Floor with the Renew XY Program Work?
The XY Program works by addressing the cause the PFM dysfunction as well as any psychological aspects in order to relieve pain. The root of suffering for men with PFM dysfunction can manifest in a number of complaints, according to the XY Program director, including the following:
- Muscle spasms
- Trigger points
- Scar adhesions
- Painful sex and/or erectile dysfunction
- Incontinence
- “Burning” orgasms
- Penile and testicular pain
- Pelvic floor pain and weakness
- Bowel and bladder dysfunction
When following the XY Program, patients are provided with a multidisciplinary approach to dealing with their pain. This approach includes tools, exercises, and techniques that patients can use (depending on their individual symptoms). The patient enters into a “contract” with his therapist—this is a contract to commit to the healing journey and to put in the effort and commitment that is required to heal oneself on a daily basis.
Some of the techniques and tools include the following:
- Exercises, including pelvic floor and external pelvic muscle stretching, pelvic dilator stretching, deep and superficial massage, myofascial foam rolling, Pilates, and yoga exercises (using Pilates balls for strengthening)
- Pain relief methods, including trigger point and myofascial release
- Mind-body connection, including breathing techniques, meditation, stress reduction, and herbal remedies.
Relaxation exercises may also be part of the program. A patient may take part in a daily “reverse Kegel relaxation/release program.” You may have heard of doing Kegels to strengthen PFMs. If you suffer from certain types of pelvic floor dysfunction, doing Kegel exercises is not recommended—at least not in the beginning of treatment—and may make your tension and pain even worse. The reverse Kegel downtraining techniques can help you gain awareness of your PFMs and train you to consciously release them. Besides the reverse Kegels, there are many other exercises that can help improve the health of your PFMs The XY Program will introduce you to these exercises as well as teach you diet and proper bathroom posture for a whole-body approach to pelvic muscle wellness.
The program requires commitment and focus because the healing process takes a long time and may take an hour of time per day. Keeping an open mind is important because some of the exercises and treatments can be invasive and especially embarrassing for men to grasp in the beginning. The XY Program recommends that patients maintain a “Pain and Progress Diary” to map progress as they continue to take control of their pain management and eventually, heal themselves, using the techniques provided. It may not seem like you are making much progress, but when you look back over the diary, you can see how far you have actually come.
How to Use the Renew XY Health Program for Men™ for CP/CPPS
To learn more about the XY Program you can go to EndingMale Pelvic Pain site to find information about the program and get worksheets. If you are interested in the healing tools that can be used with the program such as the Theracane, foam roller, crystal wands, stretch wraps, or others, visit this site.
