pelvic health physiotherapy workshop
Physiotherapists can choose to specialise in areas of practice, such as pelvic health, and are often highly skilled at treating this complex area. Symptoms of pelvic health dysfunction, such as urinary or fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or persistent pelvic pain are extremely common and affect up to 50 percent of women in the community. These symptoms can impact a woman’s quality of life, affecting confidence, sexual function and work and social activities. Consequently, demand for services provided by pelvic health physiotherapists is increasing.
This course has been designed and dictated by two knowledgeable pelvic health physiotherapists to give you a confident understanding of the pelvic floor anatomy and the conditions commonly treated by Pelvic Health Physiotherapy East Sheen. The course also explores normal pelvic floor changes, such as in adolescence, childbearing years and during menopause.
The course will teach you to examine the external genitalia and internal vaginal pelvic muscle musculature using specific palpation techniques, including origins and insertions. It will teach you to assess the impact of these muscles on a variety of conditions, such as urinary incontinence and pelvic pain syndromes. You will be introduced to the evidence base for evaluation and treatment of these disorders and will learn to recognise when the pelvic floor is reactive and when it is a driver. The course will also explore how to use the pelvic floor to manage complex pain patterns.
What is pelvic health physiotherapy workshop?
During the practical sessions you will be taught how to apply the knowledge gained from the lectures in the clinic. You will be shown how to treat pelvic pain, urinary and fecal incontinence, prolapses, diastasis recti, and return to sex. You will be given a number of pelvic floor exercises that you can take away with you to your own patients. You will also be able to ask questions of the lecturers and share your own experiences and problems.
Following this course, you will be encouraged to develop your own specialist clinical practice. You will be able to refer on to other specialists if necessary and create multi-disciplinary teams to help your patients return to a full range of functional activities, both at home and in their communities.
The course will help you to create a portfolio that shows your knowledge, skills and experience in pelvic, obstetric and gynaecological physiotherapy. This will enable you to become a Specialist Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapist. This will involve a process of assessment and reflection, as well as completing a series of modules, some of which are online. POGP offers mentorship to assist you in completing your portfolio and developing a specialism in this area of practice.