Fascia is the ubiquitous tissue that permeates the entire body; it supports and connects all of the other structures found within.  The “myofascial” is comprised of those layers of fascia that are associated with the locomotor system.   Application of myofascial therapy for pelvic dysfunction is well documented as an effective treatment approach.  This treatment requires a detailed knowledge of pelvic anatomy as well as palpation skills for assessment of connective tissue mobility, movement asymmetry and tissue tension abnormalities affecting the pelvis and lower extremity and their associated fascial structures

The material will include the science of and evidence behind myofascial based manual therapies with an emphasis on tissue evaluation and clinical reasoning.  Multiple approaches for the treatment of fascial dysfunction will be presented in this concepts course so the clinician can easily choose the appropriate technique depending on the tissue of each unique patient.  The goal is for the attending therapist to have a variety of skills to incorporate evidence-based myofascial treatment into an existing clinical program.

Lab activities will cover external and internal vaginal or rectal techniques, both male and female clinicians are encouraged to participate.   Fascial approaches include a variety of techniques for the abdominal wall, pelvis, hip and lower extremity to include:

-Fascial induction utilizing direct and indirect methods for muscle bellies, intraarticular and

 intraosseous structures and  multiple layers of the pelvic floor

-Positional inhibition for trigger points, internal and external

-Peripheral nerve mobilizations for pelvis and lower extremity

-Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (AISTM, Gua Sha)

-Fascial decompression (Cupping)

-Introduction of rehabilitative ultrasound imaging to measure tissue changes

The goal of this course is to provide the clinician who is treating women and men with pelvic dysfunction immediate access to a variety of approaches to the myofascial system. Throughout the course, clinical reasoning and application will be addressed with emphasis on various presentations of frequently seen in patients with primary or secondary pelvic dysfunction. 

Special Considerations:

As this course includes extensive lab work, all course attendees should come prepared to participate as both clinician and patient. Vaginal and rectal pelvic floor muscle techniques will be taught in labs. Pregnant women course attendees may participate in a limited capacity and 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.
Seminar content is targeted to physical therapists. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation. Clinical continuing education should not be taken by individuals who are not licensed or otherwise regulated, except, as they are involved in a specific plan of care.

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

Required Readings:

Review the anatomy of the pelvis and perineum