This continuing education seminar is a two day online course designed to provide instruction in the generation and interpretation of rehabilitative ultrasound images as they relate to the pelvic girdle and low back stabilization. Both lecture and lab material will be presented that will allow the participant to immediately incorporate the use of rehabilitative ultrasound imaging into their evaluation and treatment plans for patients with diagnoses including lumbo-pelvic pain and instability.

This course comprises of lectures and labs that present both ideal and abnormal responses of real-time imaging of the transverse abdominals, rectus abdominis, deep multifidus, levator ani, bladder, and bladder neck. During labs, participants will be able to practice using machines provided by course sponsors.

This is an intermediate level rehabilitative ultrasound imaging course intended for therapists having a sound knowledge in training techniques for the local stabilizing muscles of the pelvic floor, transverse abdominals, and deep multifidi muscles. Prior coursework regarding the local stabilizing muscles is required.

Audience:

This continuing education seminar is targeted to physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, registered nurses, nurse midwives, and other rehabilitation professionals. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation. Physical therapy continuing education courses should not be taken by individuals who are not licensed or otherwise regulated, except, as they are involved in a specific plan of care.

Prerequisites:

Prior coursework regarding the assessment and treatment of the local stabilizing muscles. All pre-recorded lectures in Teachable for this course must also be watched before the Live Component of the course. See the Schedule tab for the current list of pre-recorded videos

This continuing education seminar is a one-day course that introduces the participant to the use of biofeedback when treating bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor disorders. Participants will become acquainted with an amazing tool to enhance their practice. In this course, we will discuss the history, background/basics, and benefits of biofeedback when used to treat bladder, bowel, overactive pelvic floor, and other pelvic floor disorders. We will also review case studies with EMG signal analysis with the help of audience participation. The focus of this course will be introducing biofeedback equipment and software, administering a biofeedback assessment, conducting a treatment session, and patient instruction/education utilizing live demonstrations with audience participation. In the live lab, participants will experience using a self-inserted vaginal or rectal sensor and will practice sEMG assessments and treatments. Resources for additional training and board certification in this area of practice will be provided. Lab instructors are board-certified through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance in Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction. This course is also approved for BCIA’s recertification hours for board certification. There are pre-recorded lectures that must be viewed prior to the live course.

***Equipment required to participate in course: A 2-channel sEMG biofeedback hand-held unit with software on a laptop or computer. The participants who are self-hosting will need a vaginal and rectal sensor and abdominal leads. If you are attending at a satellite location, this equipment will be provided.
Self-Hosted participants do not need partners if they have the following items, all of which can be purchased on www.cmtmedical.com.

1. Prometheus MR-20 Dual Channel sEMG Biofeedback Unit WITH Telesis Software
2. Black Pathway Adaptor for internal sensors to connect to channel A (item PG-3660)
3. Pathway Internal Vaginal or Internal Rectal Sensor (item PG 6330 or PG 6340)
4. Pathway Surface EMG Electrodes for Abdominal Placement (PG 6750)

Audience: This continuing education seminar is targeted to physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, registered nurses, nurse midwives, and other rehabilitation professionals. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation.

Special Considerations: This coures instructs in the use of biofeedback equipement. Equipment at the course will be supplied by our biofeedback vendor, Current Medical Technologies. If you would like to contact them prior to the course to inquire about equipment purchases, you can do so using this link. A representative will be able to assist you if you tell them which Herman & Wallace course you will be taking. 

Prerequisites
All pre-recorded lectures in Teachable for this course must be watched before the Live Component of the course. See the Schedule tab for the current list of pre-recorded videos

Required Readings
1. Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Urinary Incontinence
2. The International Pelvic Pain Society Patient's Booklet on Chronic Pelvic Pain
3. Principles of Biofeedback by Professor Tim Watson (electrotherapy.org)
4. IUGA/ICS report on female pelvic floor terminology
5. Many participants find it helpful to review the anatomy of the pelvis and perineum

In this two-day course, participants will learn about trauma influences within the patient and the medical provider, as well as within our society. This course was developed and is taught by Lauren Mansell, DPT, CLT, PRPC, who worked in counseling/advocacy for sexual assault survivors prior to becoming a physical therapist, and uses the skills she learned for the emotional/psychological aspect of working with these patients while making sure patients are undergoing trauma-based counseling in addition to pelvic rehab.

Special consideration of pelvic trauma will be discussed with manual modifications and resource planning initiatives. Additionally, the effects of trauma on the medical provider will be discussed and along with techniques to prevent fatigue. This course will include extensive labs on evidence-based Yoga. Sensitive Yoga is taught in an experiential manner with handouts and YouTube resources to continue one’s practice. Upon completion of the course, the therapists will be able to bring their increased awareness of trauma to the successful, holistic treatment of patients with pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, bowel dysfunction and bladder dysfunction.

Skills and content covered are to increase trauma awareness and ability to provide appropriate physical therapy for trauma survivors and will NOT prepare a physical therapist for any type of counseling or mental health servicing.

Prerequisites:

All pre-recorded lectures in Teachable for this course must be watched before the Live Component of the course. See the Schedule tab for the current list of pre-recorded videos

What to bring:
Yoga mat or blanket

Prerequisites:

1) It is highly recommended the participant have experience with assessing and treating patients with bowel dysfunction. Although course content is geared toward the pelvic health therapist, there are no official prerequisites.

PreReadings:

1) Horton (2015) Clinical Review: Visceral Mobilization and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pharmacologic agents are often a first line treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction. Most patients seeking treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction are prescribed one or more medications. Medication side effects can contribute to or, be the cause of genitourinary issues. It is important that health care providers are knowledgeable about the effects of medications and, how the medication itself could be contributing to the patient’s complaints.

This remote learning course will discuss medications used for the treatment of pelvic floor and genitourinary conditions as well as common side effects of medications routinely used for pelvic floor dysfunction. This course will be taught by live instructor via Zoom. Medications for constipation and GI dysfunction, as well as pelvic pain conditions such as Vulvodynia, Chronic Prostatitis, and Endometriosis will be covered. The course will also cover medications and side effects in Gender-Affirming Care for patients who are transitioning.

The results from a 2017 study by Araklitis, Thiagamoorthy, Hunter, Rantell, Robinson & Cardozo showed limited knowledge among health care providers regarding anticholinergic load which can impact cognitive functioning in the elderly. Anticholinergic medications are often prescribed for urinary dysfunction. Understanding medications used for genitourinary issues will enable the provider to educate patients about medication effects and, effectively communicate with other health care providers regarding medication choices for their patients.

Prerequisites:
All pre-recorded lectures in Teachable for this course must be watched before the Live Component of the course. See the Schedule tab for the current list of pre-recorded videos

Audience:

This continuing education seminar is targeted to any licensed health care professional. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation. Physical therapy continuing education courses should not be taken by individuals who are not licensed or otherwise regulated, except, as they are involved in a specific plan of care.

References:

Araklitis, G., Thiagamoorthy, G., Hunter, J., Rantell, A., Robinson, D., & Cardozo, L. (2017). Anticholinergic prescription: are healthcare professionals the real burden? International Urogynecology Journal, 28(8), 1249–1256. https://doi-org.akin.css.edu/10.1007/s00192-016-3258-3

This remote course is designed to provide an introduction to the basics of myofascial techniques and applying them to the abdominal wall. This course is intended for the pelvic rehab therapist who may be new to palpation and manual therapy techniques, or who wants to refine their skills of discriminate touch. These myofascial techniques can be utilized to assist with treatment of abdominal scars, endometriosis, IC/PBS and abdominal wall restrictions that impact pelvic girdle dysfunction.

Prerequisites
All pre-recorded lectures in Teachable for this course must be watched before the Live Component of the course. See the Schedule tab for the current list of pre-recorded videos

Audience
This continuing education seminar is targeted to any licensed health care professional. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation. Physical therapy continuing education courses should not be taken by individuals who are not licensed or otherwise regulated, except, as they are involved in a specific plan of care.

Suggested Self-Review
Abdominal wall anatomy

Supplies
This course will include video lab demonstration following by practice time. If participants are able, a live model will allow participants to practice the lab techniques on a human body or the participant can practice on themselves during the lab time. Students should bring the following items: different shapes and sizes of coins (dime, quarter, nickel, penny, foreign coins), a hand towel, pillow case, Kinesiotape roll/strips, Scissors.

This virtual course will introduce basic neuroanatomy with a detailed overview of pelvic neurophysiology in preparation for an extensive in-depth look at pelvic health treatment options for Parkinson disease. Pelvic floor external and internal neuro-musculoskeletal assessment considerations will be instructed with the understanding that participants have prior experience in pelvic health coursework or pelvic health patient treatment experience.

Preparatory lectures about Parkinson disease will help develop a clear understanding of the neurophysiology of the disease to establish an equal foundation between experienced practitioners and those who have never worked with this patient demographic. Live course lectures deep-dive into characteristic pelvic health conditions that people with Parkinson's disease may face, discuss multiple assessment and treatment planning options, and will also discuss applications for TENS in the neurologic population.

You may choose to have a TENS unit available for use during the TENS lecture for application on yourself, but this is not required. It is highly recommended that you have a variety of colored pencils available to you for a few of the lectures to help in your understanding of the complex neurophysiological pathways you will learn about.

This continuing education course is a two-and-a-half day seminar which takes place as an in person meeting at a designated location. The instructor will present the course materials remotely via Zoom. Lecture will be viewed by all participants on the projector at their satellite location. Labs will be supervised by a qualified local lab assistant. 

Those who attend in Medford, OR will be in the same room as the instructor, who teaches live from this location. 

This course is designed to expand on the therapist's existing knowledge concerning the relationship between the endopelvic fascia and the connective tissue surrounding the urogenital viscera as it relates to mechanical dysfunctions within the musculoskeletal system. The course includes extensive lectures on anatomical structures as well as visceral mobilization theory and techniques. Participants will learn a variety of avenues for mobilizing the fascial structures of the male and female reproductive and lymphatic system within the scope of pelvic physiotherapy practice.

This manual therapy course emphasizes science and clinical reasoning with the goal of immediate implementation of the material into an existing musculoskeletal and pelvic health practice. Information presented has applications for a variety of diagnoses related to pelvic health to include: Pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain, SI joint dysfunction, coccydynia, dysmenorrhea, prostadynia, orchialgia, mechanical infertility, and chronic pelvic pain.

Lab sections include both external abdominal, pelvic as well as internal vaginal and anal techniques. Attendees should come prepared to participate as both clinician and patient. Male course attendees may participate in the entire course and will be expected to model for gender specific anatomy. Pregnant attendees may participate in a very limited capacity owing to obvious limitations. Seminar content is targeted to licensed health care professionals working within the field of pelvic health. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation

Special Considerations:

As this continuing education course includes extensive lab work, all course attendees should come prepared to participate as both clinician and patient. Vaginal pelvic floor muscle and anal examinations will be taught in labs. Labs will be conducted under the supervision of instructors and teaching assistants. Past participants have found that wearing comfortable clothing that is easy for changing (such as skirts or athletic shorts) is very useful for labs. Due to temperature variations from clinic to clinic we would recommend wearing comfortable layers. Read more about What to Expect During Courses with Internal Lab Work. More information on partnered and group labwork can be found here: Guidelines for Remote Learning for Visceral/Fascial Manual Therapy Courses.

The Herman & Wallace Institute welcomes all professionals who are appropriately licensed at our courses. Being born with a vagina and other female anatomy is not a prerequisite for attending or participating fully in our courses. No one participant will be required to partner with any other one participant during labs. 

Pregnant women course attendees may participate fully in the entire course if they bring their own lab model for examination, or if the attendee insists on lab participation then a clearance letter from their physician allowing them to participate in the labs is required. We strongly recommend that pregnant attendees bring a model as vaginal examination and internal myofascial manual therapy prior to 32 weeks gestation is not the common standard of medical practice. If pregnant participants cannot bring a model, they have the option of working in a group of three during lab times.  

PLEASE NOTE: This course includes internal assessment and exam techniques, which will be practiced in partnered pairs in lab time. H&W strives to foster an environment that is safe and supportive. Survivors of past trauma should be aware that performing or experiencing internal exam may be triggering, and that many, regardless of their histories, feel strong emotions when practicing these techniques. In order to foster an environment that is non-triggering and safe for all participants, we recommend all participants consider the emotional impact they may experience during the course, and consider consulting a trauma counselor or therapist prior to attending. 

Audience:

This continuing education seminar is targeted to physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, registered nurses, nurse midwives, and other rehabilitation professionals. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation. Physical therapy continuing education courses should not be taken by individuals who are not licensed or otherwise regulated, except, as they are involved in a specific plan of care.

Prerequisites:

1. Minimum of Pelvic Floor Level 1 training or other coureswork inclusive internal vaginal examinations and relative clinical experience

2. Mobilization of the Visceral Fascia: The Urinary System taught by Ramona Horton

3. All pre-recorded lectures in Teachable for this course must also be watched before the Live Component of the course. See the Schedule tab for the current list of pre-recorded videos

Required Readings:

1. Horton (2015) Clinical Review: Visceral Mobilization for Pelvic Dysfunction 

2. Kramp (2012) Combined manual therapy for infertility at http://jaoa.org/article.aspx?articleid=2094508

3. Review the anatomy of the pelvis and perineum

4. Visceral Anatomy Review

5. Participants should bring an anatomy atlas (preferably Netter) for reference of the visceral anatomy.

This is a satellite offering of our course, Mobilization of Visceral Fascia Level 1: The Urinary System. A satellite means that participants will be gathering in a given location and watching the instructor present remotely on the same screen. During labs, participants will pair up and be guided by the local lab assistants at the satellite course location. It is expected that participants will only register for satellites in which they are within driving distance, and adhere to all state and local COVID guidelines, including wearing a mask at all times during the course.

Those who attend in Medford, OR will be in the same room as the instructor, who teaches live from this location. 

This course is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge concerning the relationship between the connective tissue surrounding the visceral structures of the urologic system as it relates to the musculoskeletal system.

This course is geared toward the experienced pelvic health therapist who wishes to integrate advanced manual therapy skills into their treatment regime.

• The fascial system consists of four concentric layers, with the visceral layer, which is the most complex, beginning at the nasopharynx and ending at the anal aperture  (1)
• The abdominopelvic canister is “A functional and anatomical construct based on the components of the abdominal and pelvic cavities that work together synergistically” (2)
• The walls of the canister, although part of the musculoskeletal system, are intimately connected to the visceral structures found within via fascial and ligamentous connections (3).
• In order to function optimally the viscera must be able to move, not only in relationship to one another but with respect to their surrounding container (4).
• Most importantly, the viscera are subject to the same laws of physics as the remainder of the locomotor system with solid structures such as the kidney are particularly affected by blunt force trauma (5, 6).

Material will be presented that includes the science of and evidence behind the use of fascial-based manual therapy with the presentation of relevant visceral and fascial anatomy and their embryologic origins. Emphasis will be placed on clinical reasoning with the goal of immediate implementation of the techniques learned following this introductory course. Students will be instructed in an extensive number of treatment techniques, both external abdominal as well as internal vaginal approaches. Course participants will be able to immediately incorporate evaluation and treatment of visceral fascia for patients with a variety of urinary dysfunction diagnoses.

Audience:
This continuing education seminar is targeted to physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, registered nurses, nurse midwives, and other rehabilitation professionals. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation. Physical therapy continuing education courses should not be taken by individuals who are not licensed or otherwise regulated, except, as they are involved in a specific plan of care.

Prerequisites:
Pelvic Floor Level 1 through Herman & Wallace or prior seminar instruction in internal pelvic floor vaginal muscle examinations. All pre-recorded lectures in Teachable for this course must also be watched before the Live Component of the course. See the Schedule tab for the current list of pre-recorded videos

Required Readings:
1. Horton (2015) Clinical Review: Visceral mobilization for pelvic dysfunction
2. Review of Anatomy Terms
3. Participants should bring an anatomy textbook for reference of the visceral anatomy. If you need to purchase an anatomy textbook Gray's Anatomy for Students is available at a 25% Discount for Herman & Wallace registrants with promo code 70484.

Prerequisites:

1) Pelvic Floor Level 1 at a minimum. For Pediatric therapists, completion of training such as Pediatric Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction live course. It is also highly recommended the participant have experience with assessing and treating patients with bowel dysfunction. Exceptions to this policy may be granted on a case-by-case basis, to inquire about such exceptions please contact us
2) Watch all pre-recorded lectures for this course in Teachable before the Live Component of the course. See the Schedule tab for the current list of pre-recorded videos

PreReadings:

1) Horton (2015) Clinical Review: Visceral Mobilization and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

This two-day, remote continuing education course covers methods for performing assessment and treatment by both telehealth/online consultation and in-person visits for our pregnant clients. Knowing how to safely examine and treat the patient who is pregnant is the goal of this beginner-to-intermediate course.

Prior to the live, online portion of the course, participants will be able to view pre-recorded lectures at their own pace. In these videos, these pregnancy-related topics will be covered: terminology, fertilization, trimesters, medical testing/interventions, imaging, and medications. Differentiating between false labor, progressive labor, and other musculoskeletal pain will be covered. Understanding typical hormonal and systemic changes during pregnancy will be provided, included pregnancy effects on the endocrine, metabolic, cardiovascular, pulmonary, immune, neurologic/sensory, integumentary, gastrointestinal, urinary/renal, reproductive, and musculoskeletal systems. Additionally, during this self-paced viewing, examination, evaluation, and treatment of common pregnancy-related lumbopelvic conditions will be provided. An introduction to diastasis rectus abdominis, pelvic floor dysfunction, breathing, and deep core assessment/treatment will be provided.

Resource documents will also be provided for preview that will cover history taking with pregnant clients; obstetric red flags and medical screening; and positioning considerations with the pregnant client.

During online live interactive portions of this course, we will open with general examination considerations and modifications specific to pregnancy, including discussion of modalities and manual therapy techniques considered safe or precautioned during pregnancy. Further discussion of pelvic girdle examination, diagnosis, and treatment strategies will be provided, followed by “lab” time with assessment and treatment techniques for the lumbopelvic region. Review of key concepts related to core muscle and diastasis rectus abdominis will lead to “lab” time with assessment and treatment techniques. Progression of stabilization exercises during pregnancy will be practiced. Break out cases will allow time for both small and large group discussion for diagnosis and treatment progression for pregnant clients with lumbopelvic dysfunction or with diastasis rectus abdominis. Finally, to prepare the pregnant client for labor and birth, instruction in perineal stretching, hip and trunk flexibility activities, and TENS for labor will be discussed. “Lab” practice will include labor and birthing positions, with a focus on consideration for positional strategies for women with pre-existing musculoskeletal problems.

Audience:
This continuing education seminar is targeted to physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, registered nurses, nurse midwives, and other rehabilitation professionals. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation. Physical therapy continuing education courses should not be taken by individuals who are not licensed or otherwise regulated, except, as they are involved in a specific plan of care.

Prerequisites:
All pre-recorded lectures in Teachable for this course must be watched before the Live Component of the course. See the Schedule tab for the current list of pre-recorded videos

Are you interested in expanding your practice to treat prenatal patients? Herman & Wallace has put together a Pregnancy and Your Pelvic Floor marketing presentation to help you underscore the importance of prenatal physical therapy.

References

Boissonnault, J. S., & Blaschak, M. J. (1988). Incidence of diastasis recti abdominis during the childbearing year. Physical Therapy, 68(7), 1082-1086.
Clapp, J. F. I. (2002). Exercising through your pregnancy. Omaha, Nebraska: Addicus Books, Inc.
Krum, L., & Smith, S. (2005) Educating physical therapists in women's health: recommendations for professional (entry-level) and post-professional curricula. Journal of Physical Therapy Education. 19(2), 31-41.
Spitznagle, T., Leong, F., & Van Dillen, L. (2007). Prevalence of diastasis recti abdominis in a urogynecological patient population. International Urogynecology Journal & Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, 18(3), 321-328.

The client who is postpartum may be one of the most overlooked clients in health care. Knowing the specific rehabilitation needs to help with common problems and to prevent future problems is the goal of this 2-day, beginner level course. For the orthopedic-based practitioner, this course will solidify awareness of common orthopedic needs for the postpartum client. For the non-orthopedic practitioner, this course will provide a foundation for working with the client experiencing common postpartum-related musculoskeletal conditions. The course take place live on a remote Zoom meeting, and will open with brief case scenarios that highlight the difference between examination/evaluation in the postpartum vs. non-postpartum population. There will also be prerecorded content which must be viewed prior to participating in the meeting. Labor and birth, birth complication and injuries, postpartum stages and concerns, and Cesarean birth all set the stage for the postpartum client and will be reviewed. Understanding typical hormonal and systemic recovery and return to “normal” during postpartum will be provided, including early postpartum changes in the endocrine, metabolic, cardiovascular, pulmonary, immune, neurologic/sensory, integumentary, gastrointestinal, urinary/renal, reproductive, and musculoskeletal systems.

This course will cover examination considerations and modifications specific to postpartum, as well as specific questions to ask during history taking and methods for identifying red flags in postpartum. More comfortable positions during the examination/treatment and common posture/gait/balance changes during postpartum are covered. The participant at this course will understand necessary biomechanics training for daily activities, child care, and breastfeeding. As an expansion from the pregnancy rehabilitation course, participants will be taken through progression in diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) assessment and rehabilitation, including DRA exercises in lecture and lab. Additionally, addressing abdominal wall lengthening and Cesarean scars will be discussed and practiced in lab.

Overview of pelvic floor dysfunction in the postpartum after vaginal birth with external examination techniques will be expanded from the techniques taught during the pregnancy course. Basic bladder and bowel instructions/education for the postpartum client will be provided, along with guidance on when to refer to a pelvic physical therapist. As an advancement from the pregnancy rehabilitation course, progression in assessment and cueing of pelvic floor, transverse abdominis, and multifidus (deep core) muscle activity will be covered in lecture and lab. Lecture and lab will also address assessing and treating abdominal wall trigger points. Providing instruction and treatment in functional use of abdominal muscles with motor control and functional activities and progression of DRA/abdominal wall rehabilitation exercises will be incorporated into lecture and lab activities.

Basic orthopedic focus on common thoracic and cervical/head complaints in the postpartum will be explored during lecture. This course will also briefly review breathing techniques covered during the pregnancy course. Additionally, discussion and lab practice of lumbar and pelvic girdle examination and treatment techniques in the postpartum will expand on topics covered during the pregnancy rehabilitation course. Review and lab practice will be provided for basic examination and treatment of lower and upper extremity birth and labor injuries.

Psychosocial considerations during postpartum will be explored: the “typical” postpartum patient; postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis; postpartum recovery after bedrest; collision of reality and expectations; and maternity leave and return to work decisions. Postpartum exercise, fitness, and wellness will ponder the topics of body image and return to fitness and starting exercise in the postpartum. The course concludes with discussion of marketing and billing needs for providing care for the postpartum population.

Audience:
This continuing education seminar is targeted to physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, registered nurses, nurse midwives, and other rehabilitation professionals. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation. Physical therapy continuing education courses should not be taken by individuals who are not licensed or otherwise regulated, except, as they are involved in a specific plan of care.

Prerequisites:
All pre-recorded lectures in Teachable for this course must be watched before the Live Component of the course. See the Schedule tab for the current list of pre-recorded videos

Are you interested in expanding your practice to treat prenatal patients? Herman & Wallace has put together a Pregnancy and Your Pelvic Floor marketing presentation to help you underscore the importance of prenatal physical therapy.

References

Gutke, A., Ostgaard, H. C., & Oberg, B. (2006) Pelvic girdle pain and lumbar pain in pregnancy: a cohort study of the consequences in terms of health and functioning. Spine, 31(5), E149-E155.
Ostgaard, H. C., Anderson, G. B. J., & Karlson, K. (1991). Prevalence of back pain in pregnancy: A review. Spine, 16(5), 549-552.

This course is held via Zoom meeting, which is free to download, and will combine prerecorded lecture with live, interactive course time that takes place via online meeting.

This two-day course, developed by an instructor with extensive experience working with professional athletes, will cover an evidence-based, immediately-applicable skills related to pelvic floor rehabilitation for the athlete, covering treatment philosophies for the pelvis and pelvic floor and global considerations of how these structures contribute to human movement. Topics covered will include urinary incontinence, as well as the intricacies of athletic movement and how energy transference throughout the kinetic chain is crucial to rehabilitation approach, injury prevention and high performance. This course will also cover biomechanics behind human movement of the lumbopelvic-hip complex so the participant will be able to prescribe effective and innovative therapeutic exercise programs. The connection of how pelvic rehab influences LE pathologies such as ACL, PFP and chronic ankle instability will be covered. Although this class has a focus on athletes, these concepts of biomechanics and movement patterning are applicable to all patients in the clinic

Participants in this course will be sent several prerecorded lectuers to view before the course, and the interactive Zoom meeting will focus on exercise videos and follow-along exercises led by the instructor, followed by question and answer after each exercise is instructed. Participants will want adequate space to perform exercises while following along on the screen.

This course has been designed to bridge the gap between the sports/orthopedic clinician (certified athletic trainers included) and the experienced pelvic health practitioner and is designed to provide both demographics a challenging and engaging learning experience with a the goal of expanding the general sports and ortho clinician’s understanding of the pelvic floor, as well as challenging the advanced pelvic health therapist to expand their treatments to encompass three-dimensional movements and offering them an arsenal of therapeutic exercises beyond simple local type exercises. Following the course, clinicians who choose not to pursue an advanced clinical skill set of a pelvic health therapist will have a more confident understanding of when a referral to a pelvic health clinician is appropriate. Both groups will leave this course with additional tools for their clinical tool box related to manual therapy and exercise.

Needed Supplies

This remote course will include exercises led by the instructor on a Zoom meeting. In order to fully follow along, participants will need to make an exercise system which consists of: an 8-foot yoga strap with a D-ring on the end, and 8-feet of theratubing (red, blue or green will work, choose a challenging color that will not be too challenging for two days of exercise). Participants will need to anchor their bands to something that won’t move, like a door jam. Theraband may work as a substitute, but theratubing is recommended. In addition, participants will need: a yoga block and a small step or box to use for a step up exercise, and a couch cushion or something that will work like an Airex pad on which to kneel. If possible, exercising in front of a mirror in addition to the computer screen will be helpful.

Prerequisites

All pre-recorded lectures in Teachable for this course must be watched before the Live Component of the course. See the Schedule tab for the current list of pre-recorded videos

This intermediate, two-day remote course covers the details of normal gut motility, bowel function, medical tests and medications relating to diagnosing and treating the medical side of bowel dysfunction. Main topics discussed are fecal incontinence, chronic constipation and abdominal pain and how they relate to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and physical therapy interventions. Topics relating to basic foods along with over-the-counter and prescription products are explained in aiding or to increase or slowing gut motility.

Visualization of biofeedback, intra-rectal electrical stimulation use is discussed. Each participant will purchase a rectal balloon set to practice inflation/deflation in order to be ready for use in clinic.

Audience:

This continuing education seminar is targeted to physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, registered nurses, nurse midwives, and other rehabilitation professionals. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation. Physical therapy continuing education courses should not be taken by individuals who are not licensed or otherwise regulated, except, as they are involved in a specific plan of care.

Prerequisites:

It is required that the participants have a working experience with evaluating and treating patients with pelvic pain inclusive of both vaginal and rectal examination. Pelvic Floor Level 1, through Herman & Wallace or Pelvic PT 1 through the APTA is strongly recommended. All pre-recorded lectures in Teachable for this course must also be watched before the Live Component of the course. See the Schedule tab for the current list of pre-recorded videos