Material will include the science of and evidence behind myofascial based manual therapies with an emphasis on clinical reasoning and evaluation for assessment of connective tissue mobility, movement asymmetry and tissue tension abnormalities affecting the pelvis and lower extremity and their associated fascial structures. Participants will be exposed to multiple approaches for the treatment of fascial dysfunction throughout 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 myofascial based treatment into an existing clinical program

• Fascia is the ubiquitous connective tissue that permeates the entire body forming a continuous three-dimensional matrix of structural support and communication (1).
• The fascial system consists of four concentric layers; the “myofascia” is comprised of those layers of fascia that are associated with the locomotor system (2).
• Patients with chronic pelvic pain are more likely to have abnormal musculoskeletal findings on examination (3,4).

Lab activities will cover external and internal vaginal and rectal techniques, 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, intraosseous structures and multiple layers of the pelvic floor

-Positional inhibition as a modality for shutting off 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. Read more about What to Expect During Courses with Internal Lab Work.

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.Seminar content is targeted to licensed health care professionals working within the field of pelvic health. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation.

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

References

1. Findley T (2009) Fascia research II: Second international fascia research congress. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork 2(3)

2. Willard F (2012) Somatic Fascia. In: Schleip R, Findley T, Chaitow L, Huijing P (Eds.) Fascia: The Tensional Network of The Human Body. Edinburgh: Elsevier, pp. 11-17.

3.Neville C, Fitzgerald C, Mallinson T, Badillo S, Hynes C, Tu F (2012) A preliminary report of musculoskeletal dysfunction in female chronic pelvic pain: A blinded study of examination findings. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 16:50-56.

4. Zerman DH, Ishigooka M, Doggweiler R, Schmidt R, (1999) Neurological insights into the etiology of genitourinary pain in men. Journal of Urology 161:903-908

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