The use of therapeutic massage in benign prostatic hyperplasia: a case study

Abstract

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is one of the most common urological diseases. It affects men of all ages, and the incidence increases with age. Due to the location of the prostate in the lower urinary tract area, changes within it can impair urinary function. Early intervention, accurate diagnostics, and appropriate treatment are thus important, especially including conservative methods in the first stage. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to use and to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic massage in benign prostatic hyperplasia.Case report: A course of therapeutic massage was given to a 55-year-old patient diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The therapy lasted three weeks, with the procedure being performed twice a week. Each massage lasted twenty minutes and involved manipulation of the lining of the stomach. The patient underwent imaging tests before and after the therapy. On the International Prostate Symptom Score scale, the patient scored 3 points before the therapy and 2 points after it. These results indicate mild symptoms. The level of prostate specific antigen was 1.421 ng/ml. The patient had normal results of uroflowmetry [Qmax 19 ml/s, Qmedium 12 ml/s] both before and after treatment. The urine retention after micturition at both intervals was assessed at about 0 ml. Transrectal ultrasound examination revealed a reduction in prostate volume by about 30% after the therapeutic intervention. Conclusions: The positive effect obtained after therapeutic intervention in the form of the reduced prostate volume in this case shows that massage can serve as a complementary method to reduce BPH symptoms. In the future, it is advisable to continue testing on more patients.