The Hurler and the Cricketer: A New Way to Think About Your Pelvic Health

I was watching a cricket match the other day, and something made me smile. The moment the rain started, the umpires called a halt, the players walked off, and the covers came on. It was a sensible, measured decision to protect the players and the pitch.

It sent me straight back to my own memories of playing GAA. I could almost feel the worn grip of my hurley as the heavens opened. In hurling, rain isn't a reason to stop; it's just a different set of conditions to play in. You dig in, you adapt, you carry on.

This contrast between playing on and pausing for safety isn’t just about sport. It strikes at the very heart of what we do in men's pelvic health physiotherapy.

It’s a conversation I have with men every day in the clinic. Men dealing with the frustration of post-prostatectomy incontinence, the complexities of ongoing pelvic pain, or the impact of sexual dysfunction. Your recovery journey is a constant, delicate balance between knowing when to push through, and knowing when your body is telling you to rest.

Understanding this balance is the key. It’s how you move from feeling frustrated and uncertain to feeling in control of your own recovery.

The Hurler’s Resilience: Finding Your Determination

There is absolutely a time in rehabilitation to channel your inner hurler. It’s that spirit of grit and determination that helps you face the challenge and commit to the programme. Many men I see feel a great sense of purpose when they can actively work towards a goal.

This "hurler mindset" is about embracing the work:

• Building Consistency: Your pelvic floor, just like any other muscle group, needs consistent training to get stronger. This is about doing your exercises, not just on the days you feel good, but on the days when it feels like a chore. That consistency is what builds lasting change.

• Understanding "Good Discomfort": When you start activating muscles that have been weak or dormant, you will feel them working. It’s a sign of progress. Learning to recognise this feeling of healthy muscle fatigue, rather than fearing it, is a massive step forward.

• Trusting the Process: Lasting recovery takes time. It’s about having the grit to stick with your personalised physio programme, knowing that every small, correct repetition is a building block for a stronger, more resilient you.

The Cricketer’s Wisdom: The Power of Listening to Your Body

Just as important, however, is the cricketer’s wisdom. Stopping the match for rain isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an intelligent, strategic decision to prevent a slip, a bad injury, and to ensure you can play properly when conditions improve.

This is often the hardest part for men to embrace, but it is crucial. In our world, this looks like:

• Recognising Warning Signs: Pain is your body’s alarm system. A key part of our work together is learning to tell the difference between the normal ache of a healing body and the sharp, grabbing pain that says, "Stop, you're pushing me too far." Ignoring this can lead to muscle guarding and flare-ups, which only sets you back.

• The ‘Why’ Behind a Flare-Up: If you live with chronic pelvic pain, you’ll know that stress or even just a busy day can cause your symptoms to spike. The cricketer's approach isn't to panic and push through, but to pause and understand why. It’s about recognising your triggers and having a clear plan—perhaps involving breathing exercises or gentle movement—to calm the system down. This is not failure; it's expert self-management.

• Respecting the Healing Process: A nerve needs time to heal. Tissues need time to repair. Pushing your body when it’s not ready is a recipe for re-injury. Taking a planned rest day, or modifying your activity, isn’t giving up. It’s a vital part of any successful recovery programme.

Normalising the Conversation About Men’s Health

Let’s be honest: talking about incontinence, erectile dysfunction, or pelvic pain isn’t everyday stuff. There's a stigma there that we need to break down. These are simply health conditions, just like a bad back or a sore knee. They are incredibly common, and most importantly, there is effective, evidence-based treatment available.

The first step is often the hardest: seeking help. But in my clinic, you’ll find an empathetic, educational space where you can speak openly and be heard without judgment. Our goal is to demystify what’s happening in your body and give you a clear, logical path forward.

For example, many men are surprised when I explain the connection between their breathing and their pelvic floor. Your diaphragm (your main breathing muscle) and your pelvic floor are designed to work together like a piston. By teaching you how to breathe properly, using your full lung capacity, we can help release tension in a tight pelvic floor or improve the coordination of a weak one. It’s a simple, powerful tool that empowers you to manage your own symptoms.

Your Path Forward: A Coached, Personalised Plan

You don’t have to guess whether it’s a day for the hurler or the cricketer. That’s what I’m here for. As your physiotherapist, I act as your coach. We’ll work together to build a plan that is right for your body and your goals.

We will demonstrate every exercise clearly, giving you the right cues to make sure you’re activating the correct muscles. It's subtle work, and getting it right is everything.

If you are ready to move forward with a clear, supportive, and expert-led plan, please get in touch. Let’s start the conversation.