Continuing Education Courses

You’re treating children with constipation, enuresis, and encopresis regularly. And every now and then you get those patients that just leave you stumped. How would it feel to never again be surprised by a patient in front of you? (Well, we never say never, right?)

Whether you’re here looking to learn more about the diaphragm and ribcage, DRA, disorders of the gut-brain interaction, or advanced movement analysis, We’ve got you covered. Dive deep into the musculoskeletal system and learn something new about:

• how to treat those chronic patients who don’t seem to get better
• how to titrate medications safely
• how to comfortably manage children with Hirschsprung’s disease and other anorectal malformations

Take a step back and see your WHOLE patient. Evaluate, diagnose, and treat like the seasoned professional you know you can become! Your patients will get better faster with a whole-body approach to an array of conditions under the umbrella of bowel and bladder dysfunction. In this course, we’ll discuss posture, breathing patterns, the nervous system, vascular and lymph considerations, and much more. You’re more than just a constipation therapist.

How would it feel to have all the tools? Everyone already knows you as the pediatric pelvic floor expert, but do YOU know everything you could to treat the patients you’re seeing? This course will give you the confidence to treat any pediatric patient with bowel or bladder issues. Forget the days of a referral coming across your desk and thinking, “what in the world?”, then frantically searching the web for more information.

This course gives you a lifetime of access to all things advanced pediatric pelvic floor, such as:

• In-depth rib cage assessment
• Next-level core evaluation and treatment techniques
• Updated DRA/pressure system exercise guidance
• Full-body movement analysis as it relates to the pelvic floor
• A deep dive into how specific disorders change a patient's movement and what to do about it

When was the last time you thought about the diaphragm as more than a muscle for breathing? Do you recall that it interdigitates with the TrA? Or how the position of the diaphragm and ribs control core activation and stability? You’re one of the pediatric pelvic floor pioneers literally changing the world! You’re a lifelong learner and a therapist with an extremely specialized skill set. You owe it to your patients (and yourself) to finally broaden your diagnostic and treatment skills with Pediatrics Level 2 — Advanced Pediatric Bowel and Bladder Disorders!

Prerequisites

Prior completion of Pediatrics Level 1 - Treatment of Bowel and Bladder Disorders

Watch all pre-recorded lectures for this course in Teachable before the Live Component of the course. See the Course Schedule for the current list of pre-recorded videos

What to Gather before the meeting:

• yoga mat
• subject to practice on if able
• Massage cream
• cupping set: https://a.co/d/5xnTodI

If you would like to participate in the rectal balloon training it is highly recommended to have the following items available for practice

• anorectal balloon catheter: https://www.cmtmedical.com/product/anorectal-expulsion-balloon-catheter/
• Syringe for anorectal balloon: https://www.cmtmedical.com/product/monoject-60cc-luer-lock-syringe/

References

• Robin SG, Keller C, Zwiener R, et al. Prevalence of Pediatric Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Utilizing the Rome IV Criteria. J Pediatr 2018; 195:134.
• Aljuraifani R, Stafford RE, Hall LM, van den Hoorn W, Hodges PW. Task-specific differences in respiration-related activation of deep and superficial pelvic floor muscles. J Appl Physiol 126: 1343-1351, 2019. First published March 14, 2019; https://doi:10.1152/ japplphysiol.00704.2018
• Bennett S, Wantana S, Nittaya T. et al. Diaphragmatic mobility in children with cerebral palsy and differing motor performance levels. Resp Pys and Neurobio (266) 2019 163-170.
• Little LM, Benton K, Manuel-Rubio M, Saps M, Fishbein M Contribution of Sensory Processing to Chronic Constipation in Preschool Children. J Peds. 2019 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2019.03.020
• Pilarski JQ, Leiter JC, Fregosi RF. Muscles of breathing: development, function, and patterns of activation. Comp Phys 2019;(9)1025-1080.
• Zar-Kessler C, Kuo B, Cole E, Benedix A, Belkind-Gerson, J. Benefit of pelvic floor physical therapy in pediatric patients with dyssynergic defecation constipation. 2019 Dig Dis https://doi.org/10.1159/000500121

This is a satellite offering of our course, Mobilization of the Myofascial Layer course.  A satellite means that participnts 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.The self-hosted option is for those who will be working in pairs or small groups on their own.

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

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. 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:

Review the anatomy of the pelvis and perineum

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.

According to the International Children’s Continence Society (ICCS) children should have daytime and nighttime bladder control by age 5 for a typically developing child^1.  The frustration, anxiety, lack of self-esteem as well as the development of internalizing and externalizing psychological behaviors of these families who have not achieved this milestone is significant and needs to be dealt with ^1,2,3,4.

The most common pelvic floor dysfunctions in the pediatric population are dysfunctional elimination syndrome, withholding, UTI’s and bedwetting. Constipation is also a contributor to urinary leakage or urgency and bedwetting and with nearly 5% of pediatric office visits occurring for constipation, the need to address these issues is great^1.

The pediatric population is greatly underserved causing undo stress for the child and family. This course focuses on the treatment of children with day or nighttime incontinence, fecal incontinence, and/or dysfunctional voiding habits. Children with special needs, Sensory Processing disorders or musculoskeletal asymmetries frequently develop poor bowel and bladder habits including constipation^5.

As pediatric bladder and bowel dysfunction can persist into adulthood, pelvic rehabilitation providers must direct attention to the pediatric population to improve the health in our patient populations.

This course begins with instruction in anatomy, physiology, and in development of normal voiding reflexes and urinary control. Common causes of incontinence in the pediatric patient will be covered. The participant will learn medical and therapy evaluation concepts for bowel and bladder dysfunction, bedwetting, and constipation. 

A comprehensive approach to evaluation will be instructed including video examinations of the pelvic floor using surface electromyography (SEMG) biofeedback, rehabilitative ultrasound imaging, as well as pediatric pelvic floor external manual techniques to teach proper evacuation.

Case studies will be presented to compliment the course with evaluation, treatment examples based on diagnosis and progressions through discharge.

Additional videos on pediatric play with a purpose, trauma informed care and language in the pediatric population and working with the neurodivergent patient with be addressed.⁶

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:

This is a beginning level course. There are no courses one must take as a prerequisite for this pediatric continuing education course. However, 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

Prerequisite Assignments

Read Suzanne's Story

Complete a Bladder Diary (Instructions attached)

 

What to Bring:

Participants please log onto the meeting with a Theraband medium resistance and 10 cuff pound weight or equivalent

 

Are you treating pediatric patients and looking for helpful resources? Check out Herman & Wallace's Pediatric Pelvic Floor Manual

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References

1. Nieuwhof-Leppink A, Hussong J, Chase J, Larsson J, Catherine R, Hoebeke P, Yang S, von Gontard A, Definitions, indications and practice of urotherapy in children and adolescents: - a standardization document of the International Children’s Continence Society (ICCS), Journal of Pediatric Urology,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpurol.2020.11.006.
2. Chase J, Bower W, Susan Gibb S. et al. Diagnostic scores, questionnaires, quality of life, and outcome measures in pediatric continence: A review of available tools from the International Children’s Continence Society. J Ped Urol (2018) 14, 98e107
3. Ayribas B, Toprak T, Degirmentepe RB, Ozgur MO. Insecure attachment and its relationship with negative self perception in children with nocturnal enuresis. Journal of Pediatric Urology. 2022 Oct:S1477-5131(22)00404-1. DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2022.10.006. PMID: 36307368.
4. Ö. Gizli Çoban, A. Önder, A. Sürer Adanır. Psychiatric comorbidities of children with elimination disorders. Archives de Pédiatrie. Volume 28, Issue 1, 2021,Pg 59-63, ISSN 0929-693X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arcped.2020.10.002.
5.  Little LM, BenSenspryton K, Manuel-Rubio M, Saps M, Fishbein M Contribution of Sensory Processing to Chronic Constipation in Preschool Children. J Peds. 2019
6. Trauma Informed Care PEDIATRICS Volume 148, number 2, August 2021:e2021052580

This two-day, remote continuing education course is designed for the pelvic rehab specialist who wants to expand their knowledge, experience and treatment in sexual health and dysfunction. This course provides thorough introduction to pelvic floor sexual function, dysfunction and treatment interventions for males and females of all sexual orientations, as well as an evidence-based perspective on the value of physical therapy interventions for patients with chronic pelvic pain related to sexual conditions, disorders, and multiple approaches for the treatment of sexual dysfunction including understanding medical diagnosis and management. 

Lecture topics include hymen myths, squirting, G-spot, prostate gland, sexual response cycles, hormone influence on sexual function, anatomy and physiology of pelvic floor muscles in sexual arousal, orgasm, and function and specific dysfunction treated by physical therapy in detail including vaginismus, dyspareunia, erectile dysfunction, hard flaccid, prostatitis, post prostatectomy; as well as recognizing medical conditions such as persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD), hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and dermatological conditions such as lichen sclerosis and lichen planus. Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to confidently treat sexual dysfunction related to the pelvic floor as well as refer to medical providers as needed and instruct patients in the proper application of self-treatment and diet/lifestyle modifications.

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 of all levels and experience. 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. Instructor’s clinical experience with cisgender men and women will be reflected in several real life patient case examples (over 30), including 3 algorithms to guide in differential diagnosis of sexual dysfunctions immediately applicable in clinic.

Pre-requisites

This class is designed to have one course that focuses on all sexual health material that may be found throughout other H&W courses; additionally, a more in-depth focus on specific conditions and medical management. 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

There are over 15 million cancer survivors in the United States. As advancements in care and early diagnosis improves this is expected to increase to over 20 million survivors in the next 10 years. The continuum of care for patients with cancer ideally begins at diagnosis. The rehabilitation professional is an integral part of the oncology team that will work with the patient throughout treatment and into survivorship. In this remote continuing education course, participants will learn topics that will prepare them to be part if the interdisciplinary oncology team. Topics will include the basics of cancer: terminology, staging, medical treatment, and the sequelae of these medical treatments. Coursework includes prerecorded content, as well as video demonstrations of lab techniques, followed by live remote meetings via Zoom, which is free to download here.

The course will address issues that are commonly seen in a patient who has been diagnosed with cancer such as cardiotoxicity, peripheral neuropathy, and radiation fibrosis.  Some holistic medicine topics, including yoga and mindfulness, will be discussed in order to fully prepare the participant to be able to competently work with cancer survivors.

Basics of the lymphatic system will be covered, as well as when to refer the patient to a lymphatic specialist for further treatment. Certified Lympathic Therpaists may skip this course and move on to the level Oncolgoy Level 2A and Level 2B courses. Red flags and warning symptoms will be discussed so the participant feels comfortable with knowing when to refer the patient back to their medical provider for further assessment.

This course is the first in a series. The two follow-on courses will address in-depth pelvic cancers. This introductory course is aimed to get the participant comfortable with working with oncology patients and as part of an interdisciplinary oncology team.

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

Supplies:

This course will include a live lab demonstration which can be followed along during the meeting. If participants are able, a live model will allow participants to practice the lab techniques on a human body. If this is not possible, participants may smiply observe. Please have a roll of Kinesotape available for the lab demos. 

This two-day online course for the experienced pelvic rehab therapist will address problem-solving assessments for the major contributory nerves from the sacral plexus to the pelvis in an organized, systematic fashion. Peripheral sacral plexus nerves included in this course are (sciatic, superior and inferior gluteal, coccygeal nerves, inferior dural tube, pudendal nerve, dorsal clitoral/penile branch, perineal branch, and inferior rectal or hemorrhoidal nerves), which run anterior to the sacrum and coccyx. 

This course will cover extensive anatomy and differential diagnosis and objective findings for specific nerves of the sacral plexus.  It will also include around 30 key lab techniques to launch your journey into manually treating the nerves of the sacral plexus, with research-based approaches to manual nerve treatment.  Significant time will be devoted to mapping nerves and refined, precise palpatory techniques to find and assess the nerve.

Nerves transmit pain messages. When nerves are compressed, they can cause pain or weakness. Pelvic rehab is traditionally centered around muscles, but muscles are at the will of the innervating nerve. Frequently the nerve is overlooked as the source of pain or weakness. Unfortunately, the patients who receive diagnoses such as neuropathic pain or nerve entrapment are presented with few options. Pelvic neural pain can be mimic or be the actual cause of vulvodynia, labial pain, gluteal and low back pain, SI pain, lower abdominal and bladder pain, pubic symphysis pain, as well as many other syndromes and weakness, such as hypertonicity in the pelvic floor or anorgasmia.

Participants will need to have a model/person to practice on who is not in the class, as the pacing is designed for one learner and one non-learning model. Please see the schedule below for which sections will require a live model.

Note: all labs for this class are external.

This first sacral course will be around 45% Lab and 55% lecture and pre-study.  It is a modification of the prior 3-day sacral nerve class to allow for distance learning during Covid.  All lab techniques for this class are external.  The didactic approach will be self-paced in the two weeks prior to class (8 hours), and the live zoom class time will be two partial days of lab and discussion Q and A

Prerequisites:
Participants must have prior experience with internal vaginal assessment. Pelvic Floor Level One and intermediate coursework, Pelvic Floor Level 2A or other intra-rectal mapping course is a required pre-requisite. 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

Highly Suggested Text:
Gray's Anatomy for Students - Available at a 25% Discount for Herman & Wallace registrants with promo code 70484. Registrants who already own a copy of this or a corresponding textbook are not required to purchase an additional one.

Over the last several decades there has been a rising interest in complementary holistic medicine and Acupressure has come forth as an effective therapeutic modality for symptom management in Western healthcare. Acupressure is an Eastern treatment modality that combines massage and features of acupuncture dating almost 3000 years ago¹. It’s a technique used to release blocked Qi by applying finger pressure to points on meridians². It is considered a form of acupuncture in which fingers, thumbs, and elbows are used to stimulate the body’s acupuncture points³. It has also been described as a form of bodywork based on traditional Chinese meridian theory in which acupuncture points are pressed to stimulate the flow of energy or Qi⁴.

Acupressure is widely considered to be a noninvasive, low cost, and efficient complementary alternative medical approach to alleviate pain. The application of pressure to points located along the energy meridians of the body have been established and utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine⁶. These acupoints are thought to exert certain psychologic, neurologic, and immunologic effects to balance optimum physiologic and psychologic functions⁶.

This continuing education course is a two-day seminar that offers participants an evidence-based perspective on the application of Acupressure for evaluating and treating a host of pelvic health conditions including bowel, bladder and pelvic pain issues. The course explores a brief history of Acupressure, its roots in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and presents current evidence that supports the use of complementary and alternative medicine as an adjunct to western medicine. TCM concepts of Meridian theory and energy channels are presented with scientific evidence of Acupoints transmitting energy through interstitial connective tissue with potentially powerful integrative applications through multiple systems.

Lectures will present evidence on use of potent Acupressure points and combinations of points for treating a variety of pelvic health conditions including chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, constipation, digestive disturbances and urinary dysfunctions to name a few. Key acupoints for decreasing anxiety, stress and bringing the body back to a state of physiological balance are integrated throughout the course.

Participants will be instructed through live lecture and demonstrations on the anatomic location and mapping of acupressure points along five major meridians including the spleen, stomach, kidney, urinary bladder and gall bladder meridians. Key associated points in the pericardium, large intestine, small intestine, lung and liver meridians as well as the governing and conception vessels will also be introduced. The course offers a brief introduction to Yin yoga and explores Yin poses within each meridian to channelize energy through neurodynamic pathways to promote healing across multiple systems. Participants will learn how to create home programs and exercise sequences and will be able to integrate acupressure and Yin yoga into their orthopedic and pelvic health interventions.

Special Considerations and Lab materials
The labs for this course will involve external whole-body palpation and mapping of acupressure points. Please wear fitted t-shirt and leggings or yoga pants for acupressure point mapping. Participants should buy a pack of 1 inch diameter white circle stickers to be used in Labs for mapping acupressure points.

Participants are encouraged to use a Yoga mat if available and any other props they may have at home including yoga blocks, small blankets, towels and pillows to be used in the guided Yin Yoga Lab portion of the course.

Recommended resources: It is recommended that participants purchase an Acupressure Point Chart for ease of following the course work and labs in this course. Since the accuracy of points and content may vary on different charts, it is recommended to buy a copy at https://acupressure.com/products/acupressure-charts/

Target Audience:
This continuing education seminar is targeted to physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and other rehabilitation professionals who use manual therapy as a treatment modality. Knowledge of acupressure points with specific anatomical landmarks will enable clinicians to add to their toolbox skills for treating a variety of pelvic health conditions related to the bowel, bladder and treatment of pelvic pain.

Prerequisites:
It is recommended that the participants have a working knowledge of the functional anatomy of pelvic floor muscles as well as various associated pelvic health conditions. Pelvic Floor 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

References
1. Longhurst, JC. Defining Meridians: A Modern Basis of Understanding. J Acupuncture and Meridian Studies. 3 (2) 2010 67-74
2. Jonas WB. Mosby’s dictionary of complementary and alternative medicine. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby, 2005.
3. Kayne SB. Complementary therapies for pharmacists. London, UK: Pharmaceutical Press, 2002.
4. Yuan C-S, Bieber EJ, Bauer BA. Textbook of complementary and alternative medicine, 2nd ed. London, UK: Informa UK, 2006
5. Jason Jishun Hao, Michele Mittelman Glob Adv Health Med. 2014 Jul; 3(4): Acupuncture: Past, Present, and Future
6. E. Monson, D. Arney, B. Benham, R. Bird, E. Elias, K. Linden, D. Waggy. Beyond pills: acupressure impact on self-rated pain and anxiety scores, J. Alternative Compl. Med. 25 (5) (2019) 517–52

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

Participants MUST register with a partner, or plan to have a volunteer available to work on during course labs. If you are planning on having a volunteer available for labs, they must sign a release of liability and be fully aware that the labs include rectal and perineal exams. 

The rehabilitation professional is an integral part of the interdisciplinary oncology team. A colorectal or male pelvic cancer diagnosis has multiple systems that are affected by cancer treatment. The rehabilitation professional that works with the pelvic oncology patient needs to competently navigate treatment techniques for all of these systems, as well as be confident in treating a patient in a personal area. This two-day course will address specific cancer types including prostate cancer, penile cancer, and testicular cancer. Additional cancer types covered include colorectal cancer and anal cancer. 

This course was designed to build on the information that was presented in Oncology of the Pelvic Floor Level 1. Information will be provided focusing on male pelvic cancers, colorectal cancer, and anal cancer including risk factors, diagnosis, and prognosis. The participant will also understand the sequelae of the medical treatment of cancer and how this can impact a patient’s body and their quality of life. Other topics will include rehabilitation and nutritional aspects focusing on these specific cancers, as well as home program options that patients can implement as an adjunct to therapy.

During this course, evaluation and treatment interventions will be presented that can be used when working with patients that are surviving the listed cancer diagnoses. The information and treatment techniques that are presented during the course will be immediately applicable to clinical practice. 

Special Considerations:

This course includes hands-on lab work that all attendees should be prepared to participate in. Rectal pelvic floor muscle examinations will be taught in labs, as well as manual work in and around the rectal triangle. All labs will be guided by an instructor and thoroughly taught before they are performed on participants. Due to the need to undress, past participants have found that wearing comfortable clothing that is easy for changing in and out of is useful for labs. Each group must have a functional webcam. It is expected that the partners will be at the same location for lectures so that they can participate in labs together. While working with their partners it is expected for participants to adhere to all state and local COVID guidelines, including wearing a mask at all times during the course. 

 

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. 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:

This course is part of the oncology series and does have pre-requisites.

The first course, Oncology of the Pelvic Floor Level 1, is required before you can take this course. If you are a fully Certified Lymphatic Therapist (135 hours of training), you are eligible to skip level 1 and start the series with this course.

Pelvic Floor Level 1 is also required to be taken prior to taking this course as we will expect a working knowledge of the pelvic floor and performing a vaginal pelvic floor muscle assessment.

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

As healthcare providers, we often want to provide compassionate, well-informed, healing care that addresses the patient in their entirety. While many have taken active steps to be more inclusive and comprehensive in their treatment, it can remain a daunting task where one is uncertain where to begin. This online course is packed full of clinically relevant and applicable information designed to help those who are striving to reframe their understanding of sex and gender.

Participants will gain up-to-date, in-depth knowledge of the various terminology used by and relating to LGBTQ+ individuals. They will also acquire an understanding of the social, economic, psychological implications on the health of this community. This course will emphasize clinical interactions, currently available research, and professional accountability.

When it feels overwhelming and nuanced, it can be tempting to avoid uncomfortable topics altogether. However, attendees for this course can expect to be gently guided into the sometimes confusing realm of gender and sexual orientation and identity. This course will provide a safe space to ask all the questions about caring for LGBTQ+ patients and practicing the skills needed to help advance your practice. Although this course will cover pelvic floor physical therapy specifically, it is appropriate and useful for any medical professional as we all have patients in the LGBTQ+ community.