Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) is one of the most misunderstood men’s health conditions. It causes persistent pelvic pain without infection, often leaving men frustrated after multiple tests and treatments that don’t bring relief.

The good news? Physiotherapy is proven to play a key role in managing CPPS.

What is CPPS?

CPPS is defined as pelvic pain lasting more than 3 months, without evidence of infection or another clear medical cause. It may involve the:

Bladder
Prostate
Bowel
Pelvic floor muscles
Nerves of the pelvis

Unlike acute prostatitis, there’s no bacteria to treat — which is why antibiotics usually don’t work.

Symptoms of CPPS

Ongoing pain in the perineum, lower abdomen, testicles, or penis
Pain that worsens when sitting, cycling, or after activity
Urinary symptoms: urgency, frequency, weak stream
Pain with or after ejaculation
Erectile difficulties linked to pelvic floor tension
Fatigue, stress, and reduced quality of life

Why Does CPPS Happen?

Research suggests CPPS is multifactorial:

Pelvic floor overactivity → muscles tighten and spasm, creating pain.
Nervous system sensitisation → the body’s pain “alarm system” becomes overactive.
Stress and emotional factors → anxiety, past pain experiences, or trauma may worsen symptoms.
Mechanical factors → sitting, cycling, poor posture, or past surgery can irritate the area.

How Physiotherapy Helps CPPS

Physiotherapy is a first-line treatment for CPPS. A pelvic health physiotherapist can help by:

1. Pelvic Floor Assessment & Relaxation

Identifying whether muscles are tight, weak, or uncoordinated.
Teaching relaxation techniques, stretches, and correct activation.

2. Manual Therapy & Scar Release

Gentle hands-on techniques reduce muscle spasm and improve mobility.

3. Breathing & Nervous System Regulation

Diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation lower pain sensitivity.

4. Bladder & Bowel Retraining

Guidance on toileting habits, hydration, and avoiding straining.

5. Pain Education

Understanding how chronic pain works helps reduce fear and improve coping strategies.

Why Multidisciplinary Care Matters

The best outcomes come when physiotherapy is combined with:

Urology input (to rule out infections or pathology)
Pain management if needed
Psychological support for stress, anxiety, or relationship impact

CPPS is complex, but it is manageable. Physiotherapy provides safe, evidence-based tools to reduce pain, release muscle tension, and regain quality of life. With the right team, many men find significant relief.

✨ Living with CPPS? Book a consultation with our men’s pelvic health physiotherapists at Renard Clinic to start your recovery journey