Non-Internal Introductory Pelvic Health Course

Pelvic floor problems are prevalent in more than 2/3 of women with LBP/PGP, and 1/3 of men with LBP

Is this an important fact affecting your outcomes for chronic LBP?

Course Description

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) can include increased tone and decreased tone muscle problems. It is not all about Kegels! How can you tell if your patient is over-recruiting their pelvic floor if you cannot do an internal exam? Not all clinicians want to perform this type of exam, or it may not be in your scope of practice. Learn what the evidence says about linking pelvic floor dysfunction to chronic low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and hip pain, and learn what you can do about it in your practice. Help your patients to regain control of these important muscles! Sexual function and bladder/bowel function are arguably some of the most important activities of daily living that your patients need to recover. Don’t let your discomfort be the barrier to your patient’s recovery; we will make it fun and non-threatening!

Resources/handouts are included in this course.

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

• Understand the relevance of Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) when treating orthopaedic conditions- specifically LBP, SIJ dysfunction, PGP, and hip pain
• Learn basic anatomy of the pelvic floor musculature and physiology of the lower urinary tract system (LUTS)
• Understand pelvic floor conditions as they relate to a weak pelvic floor and an overactive pelvic floor
• Learn how to ask patients important questions about sexual function
• Learn non-internal management strategies for pelvic floor retraining
• Create an individualized exercise program and progression for clients with increased or decreased pelvic floor tone
• Use behavioural techniques to help retrain a variety of dysfunctions of the urinary and bowel system
• Practice externally driven techniques for assessing and treating pelvic floor dysfunction
• Understand when to refer to a specially trained physiotherapist for incontinence, prolapse, and pelvic pain