The Pelvic Floor & ALL Your Patients:
Exploring the role of the pelvic floor in lumbopelvic pain and continence.

(See below for course dates and who the course is aimed at )

Click here to apply

The goal of this lecture is to demonstrate that optimal musculoskeletal function and urogynecological function share common components, and that therapists in previously separate fields need to bridge a gap in order to build an integrated and effective approach to rehabilitation. The mergence of this information will facilitate networking within the profession with the ultimate goal of providing optimal rehabilitative care.

Rationale

Several recent studies have highlighted the epidemiological links between low back/pelvic girdle pain and incontinence and respiratory disorders. Neurophysiological studies are revealing the biomechanical and neurological connections between the musculoskeletal system and the internal organs. It is becoming increasingly apparent that patients with low back and pelvic ‘girdle’ pain share common impairments in the neuromusculoskeletal system with patients who present with stress urinary incontinence and pelvic ‘floor’ pain syndromes. The time has come to bridge the gap that has evolved with specialisation and revisit an integrated approach to these two very common problems for both men and women. 

In order to effectively treat patients with any of the above impairments, it is proposed that a multi-modal evidence-based rehabilitation program is required. This lecture will discuss the scientific and clinical evidence that led to an integrated approach to the assessment and treatment of the lumbopelvic-hip region for low back/pelvic girdle pain and urinary incontinence/pelvic floor syndromes.  Specific tests for load transfer through the joints as well as the organs of the pelvis will be demonstrated through video clips and case studies. In addition, the specific validated tests for understanding which muscles to target for rehabilitation will be presented.  The role of real-time ultrasound imaging in both the assessment and biofeedback treatment will be integrated into this lecture. The rehabilitation program differs from generic exercises in that it is patient specific, and focuses on a clinical reasoning process

Who is this course aimed at ?

It would be excellent for any musculoskeletal physiotherapist, sports therapist, osteopath, chiropractor and ESPECIALLY any practitioner involved in pelvic floor assessment and treatment.