Clinical Reasoning is an essential tool in the evaluation and treatment of clients with pelvic floor dysfunction as it enables differential diagnosis and prioritization of treatment interventions. The majority of clients with pelvic floor dysfunction have associated co-morbidities which may include labral tear, femoral acetabular impingement (FAI), discogenic low back pain (LBP), altered respiratory patterns, nerve entrapments, fascial incompetence or coccygeal dysfunction. These complex clients require the clinician to have a comprehensive toolbox to screen musculoskeletal, neurologic as well as pelvic floor dysfunctions in order to design an effective treatment regimen. This intermediate level 3-day course is designed for physical therapists treating pelvic pain and elimination disorders who seek additional skills in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal co-morbidities as well as clinical reasoning with prioritization of interventions. Evidence based test item clusters for all associated contributing factors will be covered, including urogynecologic, sexual, colorectal, orthopedic, key history taking questions as well as direct perineal and pelvic floor assessment. Participants will be provided with differential diagnosis and clinical reasoning that can be applied to their clients immediately. Internal and external pelvic floor assessment is critical for evidence based evaluation and treatment of pelvic pain and elimination disorders. This data, along with the musculoskeletal screening, can determine if the pelvic floor dysfunction is the outcome or the cause of the problem.

This intermediate level course is an excellent adjunct for clinicians interested in learning how to evaluate and prioritize the treatment interventions of clients with pelvic floor associated musculoskeletal dysfunction.

Audience:

Physical therapists, occupational therapists, advanced practice nurses and physical therapist assistants with a foundational knowledge of pelvic floor disorders and orthopedics

Prerequisites:

Permission of instructor, or clinicians who have completed a minimum of one pelvic floor evaluation and treatment course including external and internal assessment of pelvic floor anatomy, options include Pelvic Floor Level 1 from Herman and Wallace, APTA SOWH PF 1 course and Marquette University’s 4 Day Treatment of Bowel, Bladder and Pelvic Floor Disorders.

What to Bring:

Joint Mobilization Belt