Objectives

EXAMINATION/EVALUATION

• Identify and examine the anatomy of the pelvic girdle
• Describe the function of the lower urinary tract and female pelvic organs.
• Demonstrate proper infection control techniques involved in pelvic floor muscle examination.
• Perform an external evaluation of the female genitalia verbally identifying bones, ligaments,muscles and other structures.
• Perform an internal pelvic examination identifying muscles, ligaments, bony prominences with identification of pelvic floor muscle origins and insertions.
• Demonstrate proper technique in testing muscle strength of the levator ani muscles.
• Demonstrate proper technique in testing for pelvic organ prolapse.
• Demonstrate proper use of handheld EMG biofeedback to assess pelvic floor musculature.

DIAGNOSIS/PROGNOSIS

• Differentiate between under active pelvic floor muscles and overactive pelvic floor muscles.
• Demonstrate an understanding of bladder tests and measurements (bladder diary, urodynamic testing, pad testing, etc.) that are used in the process of differential diagnosis.
• Demonstrate the ability to compose a plan of care including functional goals, prognosis and length of care for the patient with under active pelvic floor conditions.
• Explain red flags related to treatment of the pelvic floor and understand when to refer to another healthcare provider.
• Understand urogynecologic surgeries and their effect on prognosis and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
• Demonstrate understanding of various medications and their effects on the bowel and bladder and identify how that may affect prognosis for a patient with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

INTERVENTION

• Explain the effects of pelvic floor under activity and proper technique of pelvic muscle exercises for rehabilitative purposes.
• Explain the relationship between the abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor muscles as they relate to activities of daily living.
• Describe the various interventions available to strengthen the muscles of the patient with an under active pelvic floor and clinically reason when and why the various interventions might be used.
• Demonstrate proper use of a handheld pelvic floor muscle electrical stimulation unit and explain its appropriate uses for a patient with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
• Describe techniques that can be used to train (retrain) the bladder and when each intervention might be used.

Continuing Education Hours

• CEUs: 2.3

Prerequisites

Required pre-reading is to be completed prior to the course. 

Lab Participation Requirements

Participants will be working in groups of 2 during labs.This course includes extensive labs with intra-vaginal & intra-rectal assessment & examination. All participants must participate in labs as both “clinician” & “patient.” Participants who cannot participate as lab subjects are required to provide their own lab partners. Failure to participate as a lab subject, or to provide required lab partner if needed,will result in forfeiture of course completion and registration costs. Participants that MUST provide their own lab partners include, but are not limited to:

• ALL Male participants
• Pregnant women (except with written physician permission for FULL participation)
• Active vaginal infections
• Active STD or herpes lesions
• Active bladder or rectal infections
• Severe pelvic/vaginal/rectal pain that inhibits examination
• Lack of prior vaginal exam by a physician
• Active OB/GYN cancer