Pelvic Floor/Pelvic Girdle:  External Evaluation and Treatment for the Pelvis and Pelvic Floor (formerly called Foundations)

Introduction to Pelvic Floor Function and the Relationship to the Pelvic Girdle

Level: Beginner   
Prerequisites:

Cost: $425

• Anatomy review of the pelvis and perineum, available at http://www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/meded/grossanatomy/dissector/mml/ (Go to "Muscles by Region," then "Pelvis and Perineum")
• Lee Load Transfer SUI.pdf

Course Overview

Recent research has identified the pelvic floor muscles as an important contributor to the stability of the pelvic girdle as well as the maintenance of continence and sexual function. Alteration of length, strength and tone in the pelvic floor muscles can be the root cause for many pelvic pain dysfunctions of urogenital pain conditions, overactive bladder and incontinence. Pelvic floor muscle impairments can contribute to hip, lower leg and lower back dysfunctions.

The focus of the seminar is to become comfortable with simple external pelvic floor muscle evaluation and treatment techniques applicable to a wide variety of patient populations. It will expand the clinician's appreciation of the relationship of the pelvic floor muscles to the hip, pelvic girdle, sacroiliac, symphysis pubis, lumbosacral joints and the thoracic and lumbar spine. Physical therapists and physical therapy assistants identifying themselves as having primarily a manual therapy approach and/or orthopedic/sports, women’s health or geriatric patient population will find this course especially relevant.

This seminar begins with a thorough explanation of the anatomy of the pelvis and the layers of the pelvic floor muscles. Key points of medical history and chief complaints that would identify risk factors for pelvic floor impairment syndromes will be reviewed and evidence–based references will support the evaluation and treatment methods. The seminar will be didactic for teaching the anatomy, physiology and kinesiology of daily functions we take for granted but do not quite understand. It also provides laboratory practicums for learning external evaluation and treatment techniques for the pelvic region. Participants will find it informative and clinically helpful to learn patient symptoms have an anatomic/physiologic connection to the pelvic floor and that there are simple techniques to help patients.

Objectives

 Upon completion of this seminar, participants will be able to:

1. List the muscles and functions of the pelvic floor.
2. Describe the relationship of ligament and pelvic floor muscle support in the pelvis.
3. Describe risk factors and common diagnoses that involve the pelvic floor muscles.
4. Demonstrate history taking techniques including identification of risk factors for pelvic floor muscle dysfunctions.
5. Perform 3 external assessments and 3 external treatment techniques for the pelvic floor muscles.
6. Demonstrate external evaluation and external treatment of coccyx pain.
7. Perform verbal instruction of pelvic floor exercises with at least three different techniques.
8. Identify the treatment options for SEMG biofeedback for pelvic floor conditions.
9. Palpate and treat key muscles of the pelvis (obturator internus, adductors, pelvic diaphragm).
10. Describe evidence-based exercise training and progression for pelvic floor stabilization

Audience

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

Hours

Day 1:     8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Day 2:     7:45 am – 4:30 pm

Certificates

All participants completing the seminar will receive a certificate of attendance with continuing education contact hours.

 To Register, please select the link for the specific course date and location below.

Scheduled Course Dates & Locations