This is a satellite offering of our course Pelvic Floor Level 2B. 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 at the satellite course locations will pair up and be guided by the local lab assistants. Self Hosted pairs and groups will not be provided a lab assistant and will instead be guided remotely by the course instructor..

This intermediate-level continuing education course further defines skills and knowledge learned in the foundational Pelvic Floor Level One course. Specific, advanced examination techniques such as pelvic muscle mapping and interventions including down training of overactive muscles is instructed. With a specific focus on urogynecologic conditions including prolapse and pelvic organ descent, various pelvic pain diagnoses, and abdominal wall rehabilitation, the participant will be able to learn specific skills to treat these conditions that have a significant negative impact on a woman's health. Evidence-based references and case studies will be presented for a thorough understanding of current medical evaluation and management of each condition.

Instruction in female urogynecologic anatomy occurs throughout this continuing education course, along with education in current terminology and clinical models related to the trunk and pelvic control. Detailed internal vaginal and external perineal examinations are included in the practical lab activities, during which the participant will have several experienced lab assistants as guides. An entire lecture is dedicated to the management of prolapse and pelvic organ descent so that the pelvic rehabilitation provider will be able to develop clinical and home program strategies for the patient who presents with conditions such as rectocele, cystocele, or uterine prolapse.

Common conditions associated with female pelvic pain are included throughout the three days of education. Such diagnoses may include vulvar pain, vestibulitis, interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome, episiotomy, dyspareunia, lichen sclerosis, lichen simplex, or lichen planus. Both abdominal and pelvic muscle tenderness is higher in patients who have chronic pelvic pain, and increased pelvic muscle tender points have been noted to correlate with higher rates of depression, dyspareunia (pain with sexual function), and bowel dysfunction. (Montenegro et al., 2009; Montenegro et al., 2010) Assessment and treatment of pelvic and abdominal wall tender points are instructed along with abdominopelvic nerve dysfunction and relaxation training- all are strategies that the clinician can employ immediately following completion of this continuing education course. The important and sensitive topic of sexual abuse and trauma as it relates to pelvic dysfunction and the care of the patient is discussed.

Prerequisites:

Pelvic Floor Level 1, through Herman & Wallace or Pelvic PT 1 through the APTA is required. Exceptions to this policy may be granted on a case-by-case basis, to inquire about such exceptions please contact us.

All pre-recorded lectures in Teachable for this course must be watched before the Live Component of the course and in order to earn a certificate of completion for this course. See the Schedule tab for the current list of pre-recorded videos

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. Vaginal pelvic floor muscle examinations will be taught in labs. Labs will be conducted under the supervision of instructors and teaching assistants. There will be a ratio of at least one instructor/assistant for every ten participants. 

Participation in Labs

H&W strives to foster an environment that is inclusive and welcomes all professionals who are appropriately licensed at our courses. Having any particular anatomy is not a prerequisite for attending or participating fully in our courses. No one participant will be required to partner with any other participant during labs. Survivors of past trauma should be aware that performing or experiencing internal exams 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. Read more about What to Expect During Courses with Internal Lab Work. 

References

De Souza Montenegro, M. L. L., Mateus-Vasconcelos, E. C. L., Silva, J. C. R. E, Nogueira, A. A., Dos Reis, F. J. C.,& Poli Neto, O. B. (2010). Importance of pelvic muscle tenderness evaluation in women with chronic pelvic pain. Pain Medicine, 11(2), 224-228.
Montenegro, M. L. L. S., Gomide, L. B., Mateus-Vasconcelos, E. L., Rosa-e-Silva, J. C., Candido-dos-Reis, F. J., 
Nogueira, A. A., & Poli-Neto, O. B. (2009). Abdominal myofascial pain syndrome must be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 147(1), 21-24.