Course Description:
This course is designed to give the practicing clinician a comprehensive knowledge base in the obstetrics physical therapy treatment of the high risk pregnant patient and the postpartum patient. This course will also cover peri-partum trauma, the postpartum recovery process, return to exercise guidelines in the postpartum, and screening for postpartum depression. Course content is evidence-based and will promote the use of the most reliable tests and validated outcomes measures. This two day course will advance the skill and knowledge of physical therapists trained in the examination and treatment of common musculoskeletal dysfunctions and impairments in the postpartum patient including diastasis rectus abdominis, low back and pelvic girdle pain, and other orthopedic-related conditions. Participants will perform and experience interventions appropriate for above mentioned conditions.

Course Objectives:
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Describe special populations during pregnancy including high risk obstetrics.
2. Describe and discuss the pregnant athlete.
3. Describe common labor and birth related injuries and the management of peri-partum trauma.
4. Describe and discuss common pelvic floor dysfunctions after childbirth.
5. Describe the postpartum recovery process including hormonal, musculoskeletal, urogenital and reproductive systems.
6. Diagnose associated musculoskeletal dysfunctions and impairments in the postpartum patient.
7. Perform advanced orthopedic examination and assessment of the postpartum patient including pelvic girdle pain provocation testing, external PFM function assessment, and abdominal wall screen for diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA).
8. Implement advanced PT interventions for postpartum-related musculoskeletal conditions.
9. Discuss and describe the guidelines for return to exercise for the postpartum patient.
10. Collaborate with postpartum clients to determine rehabilitation and health and wellness goals related to their dysfunction.
11. Collaborate with postpartum clients to determine an evidenced-based plan of care, taking into consideration the client’s goals and the PT’s examination findings.
12. Discuss psychosocial considerations in the postpartum patient including postpartum depression and screening tools to identify.
13. Identify validated dysfunction-specific outcome measures for each of the dysfunctions covered in the course, where available.