This live, interactive remote course covers the didactic and lecture components of the Pelvic Floor Level 2B course, and is intended for the practicing pelvic rehab therapist who was registered for one of the courses postponed due to COVID19 or who is looking for remote-learning opportunities to further define skills and knowledge learned in the foundational Pelvic Floor Level One course. This course is an excellent opportunity for those who want to "stay on track" with growing their intermediate knoweldge and skill set while we all practice social distancing. 

With a specific focus on urogynecologic conditions including prolapse and pelvic organ descent, various pelvic pain diagnoses, and abdominal wall rehabilitation, the participant will be able to learn specific skills to treat these conditions that have a significant negative impact on health. Evidence-based references and case studies will be presented for thorough understanding of current medical evaluation and management of each condition.

Instruction in female urogynecologic anatomy occurs throughout this continuing education course, along with education in current terminology and clinical models related to trunk and pelvic control. An entire lecture is dedicated to the management of prolapse and pelvic organ descent so that the pelvic rehabilitation provider will be able to develop clinical and home program strategies for the patient who presents with conditions such  rectocele, cystocele, or uterine prolapse.

Common conditions associated with female pelvic pain are included throughout the three days of education. Such diagnoses may include vulvar pain, vestibulitis, interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome, episiotomy, dyspareunia, lichen sclerosis, lichen simplex, or lichen planus. Both abdominal and pelvic muscle tenderness is higher in patients who have chronic pelvic pain, and increased pelvic muscle tender points have been noted to correlate with higher rates of depression, dyspareunia (pain with sexual function), and bowel dysfunction. (Montenegro et al., 2009; Montenegro et al., 2010). This course also covers abdominopelvic nerve dysfunction and relaxation training - strategies that the clinician can employ immediately following completion of this remote course. The important and sensitive topic of sexual abuse and trauma as it relates to pelvic dysfunction and to care of the patient is discussed.

Participants should come prepared to discuss their own complex patient case studies and to ask questions of the instructor from their own clinical experience with pelvic rehab patietns. 

Prerequisites:

Pelvic Floor 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.

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.

Assignments:

In order to derive the most benefit from this course, we ask our participants to internalize the required reading materials prior to attending. Please complete this assignment prior to the first day of the seminar.

Prerequisite Skills Review

Required Readings

1. Stress Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Load Transfer by Diane Lee and Linda-Joy Lee
2. Read the articles from the National Vulvodynia Association website on vulvodynia and its diagnosis
3. Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis by Jane M. Meijlink
4. Review the anatomy of the pelvis and perineum
5. The Standardization of Terminology of Pelvic Floor Muscle Function and Dysfunction Report from the Pelvic Floor Clinical Assessment Group of the ICS
6. Gray's Anatomy for Students - Ebook available at a 20% discount at the preceding link. Use discount code GR56R4W59Q. Registrants who already own a copy, are not required to purchase an additional one. Please Contact Us with any questions about the use of this text as a required reading in this course.

References

De Souza Montenegro, M. L. L., Mateus-Vasconcelos, E. C. L., Silva, J. C. R. E, Nogueira, A. A., Dos Reis, F. J. C.,& Poli Neto, O. B. (2010). Importance of pelvic muscle tenderness evaluation in women with chronic pelvic pain. Pain Medicine, 11(2), 224-228.
Montenegro, M. L. L. S., Gomide, L. B., Mateus-Vasconcelos, E. L., Rosa-e-Silva, J. C., Candido-dos-Reis, F. J., 
Nogueira, A. A., & Poli-Neto, O. B. (2009). Abdominal myofascial pain syndrome must be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 147(1), 21-24.