Cancer Advanced Clinical Focus Session: Sexual Health for Prostate & Gynecologic Oncology Cancer-Session Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In a conference focused on pelvic cancers, treatments, and related dysfunctions, Claire Hamnett, a specialist in women's health physical therapy, delivered a detailed introduction to pelvic physical therapy (PT). She outlined its objectives, such as addressing bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction through both orthopedic and neuro treatments. Claire emphasized the importance of articulating what pelvic PT involves when referring patients, identifying symptoms that justify a referral, and ensuring connections with qualified practitioners. She clarified that pelvic PT is not strictly defined, meaning anyone could label themselves as such, despite varying training levels in internal or external assessment.<br /><br />Claire described her approach, which combines manual therapy, activity modification, exercise, and lifestyle changes. She highlighted the need to assess related orthopedic areas and understand the core role of the pelvic floor. Claire also touched on the nuances of treating oncology patients with functional deficits, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive assessment in PT evaluations.<br /><br />Laura Jones, an AASECT-certified sex therapist, discussed the field of sex therapy, underscoring its role in addressing relational, emotional, and sexual challenges in patient populations, particularly those with cancer. She tackled common myths about sexual health and the limited understanding of sexual response cycles. Jones also shared therapy techniques like Sensate Focus, which is a structured exercise for couples to increase intimacy gradually, arguing for preemptive interventions in sexual health care, particularly for oncology patients.<br /><br />Both speakers underscored the need for proactive and informed approaches in managing the sexual and physical health of patients dealing with pelvic-related conditions, highlighting the breadth of their specialties in enhancing patient quality of life.

Keywords

pelvic cancers

pelvic physical therapy

bowel dysfunction

bladder dysfunction

sexual dysfunction

manual therapy

oncology patients

sex therapy

Sensate Focus

patient quality of life

Claire Hamnett