Coccydynia and Painful Sitting: Orthopedic and Pelvic Floor Muscle Implications

Coccyx pain is a common, frustrating condition for the patient who often has difficulty sitting, one of the most important tasks necessary for daily activity. Patients who find help from a pelvic rehabilitation provider have often experienced pain near the tailbone for long periods of time, leading to chronic pain in addition to neuromusculoskeletal dysfunctions. This two-day continuing education course allows the therapist to focus on this vital, sensitive area to learn and refine skills in assessment and treatment. Anatomy, pathology, and detailed palpation skills of the coccyx region is instructed. Evidence is utilized to provide a solid foundation in current evaluation and interventions for coccyx pain. Tools ranging from manual (both external and internal) therapies, taping, therapeutic exercise, sitting modifications, modalities, and outcomes surveys will be included in the course.

In addition to learning local evaluation and treatment of the coccyx, participants will learn how to apply principles of biomechanics to the pelvis as they relate to the trunk, spine, and lower extremities. Sacral dysfunction, which can also be a main contributor to coccydynia, will be addressed with various mechanical approaches. The coccyx has a critical relationship to the pelvic floor muscles, and coccygeal pain can create or perpetuate pelvic floor dysfunction such as painful voiding or defecation and difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels. This course instructs the attendee in the functional movement patterns of the coccyx.

Medical testing and medical interventions including pharmacology and surgical approaches are discussed. At the conclusion of this training a therapist will have the ability to communicate with a provider about clinical findings and perform appropriate examination skills and treatments for the patient who has coccyx pain. The class was written specifically for therapists who are interested in refining skills for treating coccydynia. Lila Abbate, course instructor, shares her extensive experience in clinical care and teaching so that therapists can help patients recovery effectively and efficiently. 

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 indivuals who are not licensed or otherwise regulated, except, as they are involved in a specific plan of care.

Lab Attire:

Participants are encouraged to wear loose fitting shorts to the course. There is external palpation and internal palpation and treatment labs.

Recommended Prior Coursework:

PF2A - Pelvic Floor Function, Dysfunction and Treatment (Level 2A) or prior experience with internal rectal evaluations is strongly recommended.