The patient
His Story
An 85-year-old man with a history of prostate cancer was referred to Therapy Unlimited by his chiropractic physician for physical therapy and myofascial release. Following radiation treatment to the prostate, he was coping with ongoing bladder urgency, reduced bladder control, urinary accidents, and frequent trips to the bathroom at night.
These challenges made everyday activities more difficult and affected his comfort, confidence, and quality of life. Wearing protective pads and worrying about accidents added another layer of stress to his daily routine.
He began myofascial release treatment at the clinic, and his symptoms improved to the point that he felt he no longer needed to continue care. Over time, however, his symptoms gradually returned, and he came back to start treatment again.
The care
Treatment Approach
His first episode of care focused on myofascial release to address restrictions and scar tissue in the abdominal and pelvic regions. Radiation-related tissue changes had contributed to restrictions along the anterior abdominal wall near the prostate, and gentle myofascial release techniques were used to ease tissue tension and support improved mobility around the structures involved in bladder function.
When his symptoms returned, his care team recommended a new approach: myofascial release treatments and acupuncture treatments in rotation. Before long, his symptoms were back down to a manageable level.
His treatment plan also included:
- Myofascial release to the abdominal and pelvic regions, including scar tissue restrictions along the anterior abdominal wall near the prostate
- Acupuncture treatments in rotation with myofascial release
- General exercise and lower-extremity strengthening to support mobility and independence
- Education about hydration and appropriate water intake
- Practical strategies to encourage healthier bladder habits
- Techniques aimed at reducing nighttime trips to the bathroom
This time, rather than a full discharge, his team recommended that he stay on a maintenance-level treatment schedule so that flare-ups do not put him back at square one.
The Journey
- Referred for therapy after prostate cancer radiation
- Myofascial release reduced his symptoms enough to pause care
- Symptoms returned; restarted with MFR and acupuncture in rotation
- Ongoing maintenance schedule to stay ahead of flare-ups
The Result
His Progress and Outcome
Over the course of treatment, his bladder urgency and accidents were reduced to a manageable level. Day to day, that means fewer accidents, fewer interruptions, and far less worry about leakage or finding a bathroom.
Urgency and accidents reduced to a manageable level, and kept there with ongoing care.
His symptoms were not eliminated, and his experience shows why that honesty matters. When he stepped away from care the first time, his symptoms gradually returned. With myofascial release and acupuncture working in rotation, he got back to a manageable level.
These changes brought more than physical relief. He feels more comfortable moving through his daily routine and more confident participating in activities, with a greater sense of independence and peace of mind.
He now continues care on a maintenance-level schedule designed to keep his symptoms manageable and help prevent flare-ups from undoing his progress.
In summary
The Takeaway
For this patient, chronic symptoms following radiation treatment responded well to care, but they did not stay away on their own. A rotation of myofascial release and acupuncture brought his bladder urgency back down to a manageable level, and a maintenance-level treatment schedule is helping him protect that progress instead of starting over after every flare-up.
Individual results vary. This case study reflects one patient’s reported experience and is not a guarantee of a particular outcome.