Course Location:
Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital – University Campus
3599 University Blvd South, Jacksonville, Florida 32216

Course Description:
This course is designed to give the practicing clinician a comprehensive knowledge base in the pelvic physical therapy treatment of the male pelvic floor patient.  Course content is evidence-based and will promote the use of the most reliable tests and validated outcomes measures. This one and a half day course will advance the skill and knowledge of physical therapists trained in the examination and treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction status post prostatectomy, prehabilitation for prostatectomy, chronic pelvic pain including groin, penile and testicular pain, and sexual health including erectile dysfunction.

Required pre-readings prior to attending the course will prepare the participant for an intensive live interactive instructional experience. Instruction in male pelvic floor anatomy, physiology and function along with management of common pelvic floor muscle dysfunctions will provide the clinician with skills for immediate clinical application.  Instruction in 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-rectal exams and interventions appropriate for above mentioned conditions, sEMG biofeedback, and electrical stimulation.

Course Objectives:

• Apply knowledge of normal anatomy and function of the male pelvic floor to an examination scheme for lower urinary tract and sexual dysfunctions.
• Apply knowledge of the pathophysiology of male pelvic pain to an examination and intervention scheme.
• Diagnose impairments of the male pelvic floor and surrounding structures and their impact on intervention and function.
• Perform an external and internal examination and evaluation of the structures impacted by an underactive pelvic floor (rectal) and over-active pelvic floor (rectal).
• Develop differential diagnoses and prognosis for recovery of neuro-musculoskeletal impairments and functional losses associated with male chronic pelvic pain.
• Physical Therapists will differentiate between different potential mechanisms of male chronic pelvic pain.
• Implement interventions such as PFM down-training and coordination, sEMG biofeedback, electrical stimulation and manual therapy for rehabilitation of the male pelvic floor and abdominal muscle/soft tissue impairments.