Pelvic Floor Level 1 (internal)

Pelvic health is an area that many osteopaths have had limited training and understanding of, yet it has a significant impact on the lives of many Australians.  This advanced level course will give you confidence to incorporate pelvic health care into your osteopathic practice whilst considering the whole person. 

Covering topics including consent, detailed pelvic floor anatomy, incontinence, prolapse and the pelvic floor and common musculoskeletal presentations. Treatment and management will include both internal and  external assessment and treatment,  along with lifestyle factors and referral recommendations.  This course is a must for anyone wanting to working extensively in women’s health and is a prerequisite for other courses incorporating internal techniques.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Detailed anatomy of the pelvic floor (including muscles and fascia) and key structures that can impact on the function of the pelvic floor.

2. Understand the functions of the pelvic floor and how a dysfunctional pelvic floor can present.

3. ​​Understand the indications, precautions, contraindications for pelvic floor examination and treatment, including consent.

4. Develop confidence in pelvic floor muscle evaluation, including external vulva examination, internal vaginal palpation and measuring of pelvic floor strength, pelvic floor mapping.

5. Develop confidence in myofascial release techniques both internal and external to be used to treat pelvic floor dysfunction

6. Understand the role of pelvic floor dysfunction in common musculoskeletal complaints seen in clinic, including lower back and pelvic pain and hip pain

7. Understand the pressure management system and load transfer and impact on pelvic floor function

8. Understand the difference between an overactive and weak pelvic floor and the different treatment options.

9. Pathophysiology of an overactive pelvic floor, understand the biophysical social impact and the influence the musculoskeletal system has on an overactive pelvic floor.

10. Understand the different types of urinary incontinence, the diagnosis and treatment, including manual therapy, pelvic rehabilitation and lifestyle,behavioral options and biopsychosocial involvement.

11. Understand the anatomical support system for pelvic organ prolapse, how it can present, diagnosis using internal palpation, and treatment options available.

12. Brief understanding of trauma and impact on pelvic floor function

13. List appropriate outcome measure tools for urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse

14. Develop evidence-based treatment plans and progressive clinical goals for female pelvic floor dysfunctions