Pelvic Function Level 2A (PF2A) is an intermediate-level course that will provide the pelvic health clinician with more tools to comprehensively evaluate and treat pelvic dysfunction. The participant will have the opportunity to learn about common functional gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunctions including irritable bowel syndrome, fecal incontinence and constipation. Participants will understand how diagnoses such as hemorrhoids, fistulas, fissures, and anorectal pain including pudendal neuralgia and coccygodynia may be improved with pelvic rehabilitation. Introduction to nutrition for bowel health, other colorectal conditions and oncology will be provided. Practical, hands-on, supervised labs will include an external perineal and internal anorectal approach as well as education in use of balloon re-training. This course was designed as a progression of knowledge and skills learned in the foundational course of our Pelvic Function Series: Pelvic Function Level 1: Introduction to Pelvic Health. 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 conditions. Daily lab time allows for supervised instruction of pelvic function evaluation with external observation, palpation and internal anorectal examination of pelvic skeletal and soft tissues.

For pelvic conditions, participants will learn to: -- Recognize the key signs and symptoms that lead to impairment, functional limitations and disabilities -- Describe the gastrointestinal physiologic principles and reflexes involved in colorectal health and dysfunction -- Use an evaluation/outcome tool -- 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. A general understanding of billing practices will be discussed in this course.

Available Course Formats PF2A is ONLY available in satellite-lab and in-person formats as this course introduces introduces internal anorectal examination of pelvic skeletal and soft tissues. This course is NOT available to be taken remotely or self-hosted. Learn more about the different course formats.

Prerequisites Pelvic Function 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.

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.