This first course in our Pelvic Function Series, Pelvic Function 1 or PF1, is designed to provide a thorough introduction to pelvic health, pelvic dysfunction, and interventions for rehabilitation. We created PF1 for the clinician who wants to begin treating patients with conditions including urinary incontinence, chronic pelvic pain (CPP), and pelvic organ prolapse. Participants will understand how diagnoses such as interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS), pelvic neuralgias, vulvar pain, and dyspareunia may be improved with pelvic rehabilitation. Practical, supervised, hands-on labs will include an external perineal and anorectal approach and internal vaginal examination. 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. Hands-on lab time allows for supervised instruction of pelvic function evaluation with external observation, palpation, and internal vaginal 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 -- Use an evaluation/outcome tool -- Design a multi-modal plan of care for pelvic rehabilitation -- Perform clinical interventions based on the patient presentation and goals

Clinical treatment interventions will include patient education, neuro re-education, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, therapeutic activities, instruction in self-care, and recommendations for relevant modalities. A general understanding of billing practices will be discussed in this course. 

Prerequisites None. This is a beginner-level course.

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 course 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.