Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) 101, is a physical therapy continuing education course that focuses on teaching essential skills with hands-on lab time and web-based learning. This class contains a unique combination of objectives that streamline what you need to know to get started or boost your pelvic floor physical therapy practice. This is a unique opportunity to learn in a mentoring atmosphere.  Class size limited, register early. 

This is a hybrid course. Hybrid learning requires pre-study at your own pace prior to the first day of the live seminar. A detailed list of the private channel youtube videos, slideshows and guideline readings will be supplied to the participant upon registration.  Plan on 8 hours of self-study and a post-test the first day of the seminar.  

Download the brochure for your CEU Records:

Seminar Objectives

 Upon completion of the live seminar the participant will be able to:

1. Perform internal vaginal examination of the pelvic floor muscles and palpate key bony landmarks.
2. Identify vulvar anatomy and perform specific tests for incontinence and pelvic pain conditions.
3. Locate and palpate specific pelvic floor muscles in each internal layer of the pelvic floor.
4. Identify and grade pelvic organ prolapse stages by internal examination.
5. Teach pelvic floor exercises (Kegel or Reverse Kegel) with and without an internal exam.
6. Perform specific pelvic floor muscle internal release techniques.
7. Describe evidence-based interventions and treatment progression with case studies of patients with chronic pelvic pain from vulvodynia, IC,  urinary incontinence and POP.

Objectives for Home Study 

1. Describe the normal anatomy and functions of the pelvic floor and lower urinary tract.
2. Describe indications and contraindications to a vaginal pelvic floor examination.
3. Identify specific symptom presentation and outcome questionnaires/evaluation tools for different types of PFD. 
4. Describe current practice guidelines for the types of urinary incontinence (stress, urge OAB), pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic pain conditions treated with physical therapy.
5. Review prevalence, symptoms, differential diagnosis and treatment options of Vulvodynia. 
6. Identify behavioral factors contributing to incontinence or bladder symptoms and perform education and treatment (diary, bladder retraining).

Saturday Day 1

8:00   Objectives – Introduction

• Home study Post Test The Layer System of Pelvic Floor (PF) Examination / Detailed PF and Vulvar Anatomy, Types of Incontinence and Prolapse, Behavioral Training for Bladder Health

• Review of Indications and Contraindications for Internal PF Examination

• Explaining an Internal Vaginal Pelvic Floor Exam to your Patients

BREAK

9:30   Lab 1 Practicum: Foundation PF exam

• Vulvar anatomy, Skin and Scar Assessment,
• PF Contraction / Release Instruction and Breathing Assessment
• External Palpation of Bony Landmarks
• Specific PF muscle Layer assessment-fascial connections

11:00   Questionnaires and Case Studies for Incontinence and Prolapse Conditions

12:00    LUNCH – On your own 

1:00      Bladder Diaries and Behavioral Interventions for PFD (Bring your completed diaries)

2:15      Lab 2 Practicum:  Review foundation exam and add

• Pelvic Floor MMT (Laycock PERFECT scale)
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse Examination

BREAK

3:45   PF exercises, motor control, lifestyle interventions                        

• Case Studies and Treatment Progressions
• Incontinence and Prolapse Treatment Guidelines

17:15   End

Sunday Day 2

8:00      Review and Questions

• Home Study Post Test   Overview of Pelvic Pain Conditions

Break

9:30   Lab 3 Practicum:  Review foundation exam and add

• Detailed External Assessment/Specific Evaluations for Pain
• Pelvic Floor Internal Muscle Identification
• Specific PF Release Techniques

11:00   Questionnaires and Case Studies for Pelvic Pain Conditions

12:00    LUNCH – On your own

1:00      Vulvar Health and Pelvic Pain Education

            Pelvic Pain Treatment Progression

Case Studies for Pelvic Pain

BREAK

2:15   Lab 4 Summary/ Internal PF Rx Techniques

3:45   Case Studies and Summary

• Review and Course Post Test
• Course evaluation

4:30   End