BROOKS PELVIC PHYSICAL THERAPY CERTIFICATE OF ACHEIVEMENT:
This course is the second of three courses, Pelvic PT1, Pelvic PT2, and Pelvic PT3, designed to give the practicing clinician a comprehensive knowledge base in pelvic physical therapy evaluation and treatment. Successful completion of testing will result in a Certificate of Completion of Pelvic PT2. Successful completion of Pelvic PT1, Pelvic PT2, and Pelvic PT3 will result in a Brooks Certificate of Advanced Clinical Achievement in Abdominopelvic Physical Therapy.
PREREQUISITES:
Attendees must send in a copy of a Certificate of Completion from an approved Level 1 Pelvic Physical Therapy course of at least 1.6 CEUs.
Course Description:
Course content is evidence based and will promote the use of the most reliable tests and validated outcomes measures. This two-day case-based course will advance the skill and knowledge of physical therapists trained in the introduction to examination and treatment of defecatory disorders and pelvic pain. Instruction in pelvic floor muscle function, anatomy, physiology and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction will provide the clinician with skills for immediate clinical application and build the base for future courses. Instruction in vaginal and rectal examination/intervention of the pelvic floor is a key component of this course along with the abdominal region. Participants will perform and experience intra-vaginal and intra-rectal exams and interventions appropriate for defecatory disorders and pelvic pain, EMG biofeedback, and electrical stimulation.
Course Objectives:
At the end of this course, physical therapists will be able to:
1. Apply knowledge of normal anatomy and function of the abdomen and pelvic floor to an examination scheme for defecatory disorders and pelvic pain.
2. Apply knowledge of the physiology of defecation and the pathophysiology of defecatory disorders to an examination scheme.
3. Apply knowledge of the pathophysiology of pelvic pain to an examination and intervention scheme.
4. Develop differential diagnoses and prognosis for recovery of neuro-musculoskeletal impairments and functional losses associated with defecatory disorders and pelvic pain.
5. Differentiate between potential mechanisms of pelvic pain.
6. Perform an external and internal examination and evaluation of the structures impacted by an underactive pelvic floor (rectal) and over-active pelvic floor (vaginal and rectal).
7. Diagnose impairments of the pelvic floor and surrounding structures and their impact on intervention and function for defacatory disorders and pelvic pain.
8. Determine when referral to another health care provider is warranted based on the history and physical examination of a patient with defecatory disorders and pelvic pain.
9. Collaborate with clients to determine rehabilitation and health and wellness goals related to their dysfunction.
10. Collaborate with clients to determine an evidenced-based plan of care, taking into consideration the client’s goals and the PT’s examination findings.
11. Consider how medical management of defectory disorders and pelvic pain may impact rehabilitation interventions.
12. Implement interventions such as PFM down-training and coordination, bowel training, sEMG and pressure biofeedback, electrical stimulation and manual therapy for rehabilitation of pelvic floor and abdominal muscle/soft tissue impairments.
13. Utilize best risk management and infection control strategies in management of pelvic floor dysfunction.
14. Identify validated dysfunction-specific outcome measures for each of the dysfunctions covered in the course, where available.
15. Identify more global and general rehabilitation/prevention outcome measures for the dysfunctions covered when specific outcome measures are lacking.
16. Be familiar with best documentation practices related to management of pelvic floor dysfunction.
At the end of this course, physical therapy assistants under the supervision and direction of a PT will be able to:
1. Apply knowledge of normal anatomy and function of the abdomen and pelvic floor in the management of defecatory disorders and pelvic pain.
2. Apply knowledge of the physiology of defecation and the pathophysiology of defecatory disorders to evidence-based interventions.
3. Apply knowledge of the pathophysiology of pelvic pain to an intervention scheme.
4. Perform internal pelvic floor muscle techniques for underactive pelvic floor (rectal) and over-active pelvic floor (vaginal and rectal) that do no require ongoing assessment/evaluation.
5. Perform pelvic floor muscle exercises such as PFM down-training and coordination, sEMG and pressure biofeedback, and electrical stimulation for rehabilitation of the pelvic floor.
6. Perform manual therapy for rehabilitation of pelvic floor and abdominal muscle/soft tissue impairments.
7. Perform interventions such as behavioral strategies for bowel and bladder.
8. Consider how medical management of defecatory disorders and pelvic pain may impact rehabilitation interventions.
9. Utilize best risk management and infection control strategies in management of pelvic floor dysfunction.
10. Be familiar with best documentation practices related to management of pelvic floor dysfunction.