Pelvic Function Capstone is an advanced-level course that will provide the pelvic health clinician with additional knowledge and tools to manage complex patient presentations more effectively. The participant will have the opportunity to learn advanced anatomy concepts, endocrine physiology, and how to integrate neurologic, pharmacologic, and post-surgical rehabilitation into patient care. Participants will understand how diagnoses such as pelvic congestion syndrome, endometriosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and neuro-inflammation can be addressed with pelvic rehabilitation. Clinicians will be introduced to self-care and managing boundaries with the goal of avoiding burnout. Practical, hands-on, supervised labs will include external and internal approaches focusing on neuro-myofascial approaches for the lower abdomen, inguinal canal, and pelvis. Capstone was designed as the culmination of knowledge and skills learned in the foundational courses of our Pelvic Function Series. The information contained in this course is immediately applicable to clinical practice.

Presentation of trauma-informed, evidence-informed evaluation and intervention will be emphasized. Outcome measures and quality of life questionnaires will be presented for a variety of topics. Daily lab time allows for supervised instruction of advanced therapeutic techniques that can be utilized with complex case presentations.

For pelvic conditions, participants will learn to:

• Recognize the key signs and symptoms that lead to impairment, functional limitations and disabilities
• Describe the endocrine system physiologic principles and changes over the lifespan
• Use a holistic framework for patient evaluation
• Design a multi-modal plan of care for pelvic rehabilitation
• Perform clinical care based on patient presentation and goals

Clinical treatment interventions will include patient education, neuro re-education, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, therapeutic activities, self-care instruction, and recommendations for relevant modalities and referrals.

Prerequisites:
In order to take the Capstone course, registrants must have previously completed Pelvic Function Level 1 through Herman & Wallace or Pelvic PT 1 through the APTA; and Pelvic Function Level 2A with H&W. Participants must also have completed either Pelvic Function Level 2B OR Pelvic Function Level 2C or both. Exceptions to this policy may be granted on a case-by-case basis, to inquire about such exceptions please contact us.

Pre-Course Learning Requirements:
10-14 days before the course, participants will receive an invite to join Teachable, an online learning platform. In Teachable, registrants will find recorded video lectures (all recorded video lectures must be completed before attending the first day of class), other pre-requisite learning materials, course manual files, mandatory liability waiver, and URLs for any Zoom meetings. We require registrants to complete teachable components in sequential order. Videos lectures are required and must be completed in-full before proceeding to the next Teachable section. At the conclusion of the course, registrants can access their post-test and course evaluation form to provide our curriculum team feedback on their experience, as well as download their certificate of completion - all via Teachable.

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.

Special Considerations:
As this continuing education course includes extensive lab work, all course attendees should come prepared to participate as both clinician and patient. Read more about What to Expect During Courses with Internal Lab Work.