Female and Male Urinary/Fecal Incontinence and Pelvic Organ Prolapse

An intensive intro course

Why choose our courses?

Course description

This course examines, in an evidence-based approach, the presentation, pathophysiology, evaluation and interventions for female and male bladder and bowel dysfunction, incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Theory, research, demonstration, and practical sessions including subjective/objective assessment and treatment of these conditions will be included. Examination of the pelvic floor via perineal observation, internal vaginal and rectal exam; treatment techniques specific to assessment findings; and the use of EMG biofeedback in small groups will be covered. Class size is limited to ensure optimum learning, practice, and translation of skill. Instruction on how to screen for low estrogen, vulvar skin and vaginal pain conditions for proper referral and/or treatment will be included. A common sense, evidence-informed, and critical thinking approach will be implemented throughout the course. Participants will be challenged to problem-solve. Clinicians will leave the course with new conditions to treat and skills to use immediately on return to their office the next day!

EMG biofeedback units will be available for each group of 2-3 physical therapists throughout the course for all lab sessions. Course participants will participate in the lab/practical session which involves perineal, vaginal and/or rectal examination. 

Our courses focus on active rather than passive techniques. Treatment techniques are supported by incontinence, prolapse and pain science peer reviewed literature. Learn new techniques for your “tool box” that are not myofascial or trigger point related. There is an emphasis on client empowerment through education and active treatment.

Course participants also receive 1/2 day clinical shadow opportunity OR a 1-hour scheduled on-line consult with course instructor within 3 months of course completion.

Course Objectives

At the end of the course, the learner will:

  1. Understand pelvic floor anatomy

  2. Understand the anatomy and physiology of typical bladder and bowel control mechanisms

  3. Understand the causes, different diagnoses, pathophysiology, prevalence, and clinical presentation of various conditions that affect bladder and bowel control.

  4. Know how to recognize the clinical presentation of the above conditions.

  5. Know when to administer a voiding and/or fibre diary and how to provide dietary and behavioural intervention as indicated from the completed diary

  6. Understand typical pelvic organ support mechanisms

  7. Understand the causes, different diagnoses, pathophysiology and prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse

  8. Know how to recognize the clinical presentation of pelvic organ prolapse

  9. Be able to perform a subjective and objective assessment of the above conditions, including examination of the pelvic floor via perineal observation, internal vaginal and internal rectal examination

  10. Be able to screen and refer for low estrogen, vulvar autoimmune diseases and other vaginal conditions, as well as an understanding of medical treatments for these conditions.

  11. Understand and have exposure to actual pessaries and their use for incontinence and prolapse.

  12. Understand and have exposure to penile clamps and inserts for the management of male stress urinary incontinence.

  13. Be comfortable with the use of EMG biofeedback for both pelvic floor assessment and treatment

  14. Be able to provide evidence-informed treatments for the above conditions based on research and clinical reasoning

  15. Be able to differentiate between pelvic floor proprioception/motor control and strength issues.

  16. Be able to provide guidelines for general exercise and activities of daily living when pelvic floor dysfunction is present

  17. Have explored and understand concepts of appropriate co-contraction of the transversus abdominis/abdominals and the pelvic floor

  18. Have explored and understand concepts of pelvic floor hypertonicity and increased tone in patients with no neurological deficit or damage

  19. Understand the impact of these conditions on people’s lives in all aspects of biopsychosocial function

  20. Understand appropriate outcome measures

Course participants

This course is open to Registered Physical Therapists, physicians, nurse practitioners, midwives, registered nurses and naturopaths. Physical therapy students may also attend. Labs include internal palpation.

Prerequisites

None

Course Format

  • Online live lecture, discussion, case studies and lab

  • Lab component involves internal vaginal and rectal palpation

Course Dates and Times

Online: Friday, November 19, 2021, 8 AM-4 PM PDT

Lab: Vancouver — Saturday & Sunday, November 20-21, 8 AM-4 PM PDT

Full attendance (online and in lab) is required to receive course certificate

Online in your happy place, but lab too far away? Group discounts (6 or more) available for us to bring the lab component to your city. Email PelvicRehabCourses@gmail.com to discuss.

Practical Location 

Vancouver — Saturday & Sunday, November 20-21, 2021
Envision Physiotherapy 
672 leg in Boot Square
Vancouver BC  V5Z 4B4

Tuition

Registered Physiotherapists and other licensed health professionals:

$750.00 + 5% GST ($787.50)

This course is being offered to a small group of learners and is expected to fill quickly.

 

For further course or registration information please email PelvicRehabCourses@gmail.com

 Why choose our courses?

All courses:

  1. Our courses focus on active rather than passive techniques. Treatment techniques are supported by incontinence, prolapse and pain science peer reviewed literature. Learn new techniques for your “tool box” that are not myofascial or trigger point related.

  2. Emphasis on client empowerment through education and active treatment.

  3. Learn to differentiate between motor control and strength issues.

  4. Understand the value of skilled EMG biofeedback use.

  5. Get practical experience using EMG biofeedback in small groups.

  6. Develop critical thinking skills in the assessment and treatment components of the course. We want all course participants to receive an honorary Sherlock Holmes Degree! Return to the clinic the next day with the ability to critically analyze your subjective and objective findings. There is no recipe. Every question you ask and intervention you give needs to have a purpose based on your critical analysis and thinking. If you don’t understand during the course – Ask us! Challenge us!

  7. Explore concepts of hypertonicity and increased tone in voluntary muscles with no neurological damage or deficit.

  8. Group rates (6 or more) for lab component at non-advertised location are available. Please contact: PelvicRehabCourses@gmail.com

  9. 1/2 day clinical shadow OR a 1-hour scheduled phone/FaceTime or Skype consult with course instructor within 3 months of course completion.

  10. 10% of net proceeds will be donated to the Physiotherapy Foundation of Canada.

Introductory Pelvic Floor, Incontinence, Prolapse and Prostate Cancer Courses:

  1. Evidence-based treatments for muscle strength and endurance gains.

  2. Recognize when estrogen or pain medication may or may not be helpful and how to have this discussion with patients and physicians.

  3. Get practical experience using EMG biofeedback in small groups.

  4. Understand the sexual health impact of prostate cancer treatment and the role of physiotherapy

  5. Explore concepts of hypertonicity and increased tone in voluntary muscles with no neurological damage.

  6. Understand the sexual health impact of prostate cancer treatment and the role of physiotherapy.

Pain Condition Courses:

  1. Evidence-informed active (rather than passive) treatment techniques for your tool kit for pain conditions.

  2. Direct application of mindfulness and CBT skills into physiotherapy interventions.

  3. Evidence-based intervention for pain conditions.

  4. Explore concepts of hypertonicity and increased tone in voluntary muscles with no neurological damage.

  5. Learn new techniques for your “tool box” that re not myofascial of trigger point related.

  6. Interventions emphasize client empowerment through education and active treatment.

  7. Education on current female and male sexual response theories and how to directly apply this information within a physiotherapy scope of practice and specific related treatment interventions.