Introduction and Clinical Pearls on Treating the Post-Prostatectomy Patient

Hosted by Pelvic Health SIG
Competency Points awarded
Virtual

Whether you’re currently treating male patients or looking to expand your caseload this course offers a clear, practical introduction to treating patients after prostatectomy. You’ll learn how to assess and manage common post-op challenges like urinary incontinence, pelvic floor dysfunction, and return-to-activity concerns. Packed with clinical pearls and movement-based strategies, this course will give you confidence to support this population with tools you can use immediately in the clinic.

Presented by Sara Knight, PT, DPT and Tayla Curran, PT, DPT, MSc

Register Here

Objectives:

1. Identify at least three common post-prostatectomy impairments, including urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction and pelvic floor dysfunction, through patient history and clinical presentation.
2. Demonstrate the ability to screen for pelvic floor muscle coordination and strength using non-internal techniques appropriate for the post-operative male population.
3. Describe two or more movement-based strategies to address urinary leakage and promote pelvic floor recovery during return-to-activity progression.
4. Develop an initial treatment plan for a patient following prostatectomy, incorporating education, exercise, and behavior modification strategies based on evidence-informed practice.

Presenters Bio:

Sara Knight, PT, DPT found a love for physical therapy many years ago practicing in a rural outpatient clinic with a diverse patient population. She began her professional career as a Physical Therapist Assistant going on to complete her DPT at Emory University in 2011. She then completed the Emory University Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency in 2012. Sara is a former OCS. She has been fortunate to gain knowledge and experience from a variety of settings including outpatient, sports medicine, skilled nursing, acute care, and health service work outside the US in Haiti and Belize.

Her heart for learning has led to continued development of physical therapy skills throughout her career. One of these skill sets is in treating patients with pelvic health conditions. She is very thankful to have had the mentorship and encouragement from other pelvic health providers early in her career allowing her to grow in this area of practice. In 2022-23, Sara completed the Herman and Wallace pelvic function series. She is now treating patients of all genders with pelvic health concerns in a not for profit community hospital based outpatient clinic. Her treatment methodology is based on belief in whole person care to meet patient goals to maximize quality of life and level of function. In addition to pelvic health concerns, her caseload remains primarily in orthopedics, sports medicine, and vestibular diagnosis.

Sara has a strong respect for ongoing education. She has experience teaching in higher education and loves having clinical education students. She has been a Lead Teaching Assistant for the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute since 2023.

Tayla Curran, PT, DPT, MSc, is the founder of Echelon, a concierge physical therapy practice based in Boston. She combines her passion for fitness with a deep commitment to helping clients achieve lasting, pain-free movement. Tayla specializes in treating endurance athletes and individuals of all genders experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction, blending orthopedic rehabilitation with evidence-informed pelvic health care.

Before becoming a physical therapist, Tayla worked in medical education and research at Columbia University Medical Center. She has lectured in Narrative Medicine, aging and end-of-life care, and interprofessional education at Columbia, where she also led the interprofessional education program and spearheaded the creation of the first IPE Day, bringing together more than 2,000 healthcare students for interdisciplinary learning.

Her clinical expertise centers on the integration of pelvic health rehabilitation and orthopedic performance strategies, with a focus on managing complex musculoskeletal-pelvic floor presentations. She has a particular interest in supporting endurance athletes and weekend warriors through movement-driven rehabilitation that builds durability, restores confidence, and supports a full return to sport and activity.

Tayla holds a Bachelor’s degree from High Point University (2015), a Master’s degree in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University (2016), and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Columbia University (2021). She has completed pelvic health training through the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute.