A one-day course for Osteopaths and other qualified allied health looking to expand their scope of practice with pelvic floor muscle balance for those born with female anatomy. 1 in 3 of those born with female anatomy is reported to experience problems with their pelvic floor with symptoms such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapses, pelvic pain or sexual dysfunction. Sadly, this is often regarded as taboo and rarely discussed, so many suffer in silence. Many patients and practitioners struggle to know how best to keep the pelvic floor healthy, especially following abdominal or pelvic surgery.

Simple strategies and exercises can improve or remedy the problem with pelvic floor muscle training, and Pilates classes are often advised as first-line support. However, many reports not feeling confident about performing pelvic floor muscle training correctly on their own or after a single training session. This course will teach you how to properly train a pelvic floor so folks can sneeze, cough, jump, laugh or run confidently.

No previous Pilates experience is required. 

Please note this course has practical components, which will be on a floor-based mat.

•      Review the anatomy of the pelvis, including pelvic floor muscles

•      Pelvic floor dysfunction /conditions and their impact on exercise 

•      Essential pelvic floor exercises explained, with easily digestible evidence for delegates to share with their patients.

•      Overview of general exercise for pelvic floor problems and after corrective surgery. 

•      There will be an emphasis on self-help and home exercises, which will aid your management, giving patients support outside the treatment room.

Important information 

•      No previous Pilates experience is required.

•      Attendees are asked to wear clothing suitable for ease of movement. 

•      Please note this course has a significant practical component performed on a treatment couch and floor-based mat.

•      Important; this one-day course will not qualify you as a Pilates teacher/instructor.

Inclusivity Statement:

Pelvic floor concerns and incontinence is widespread concerns in those assigned female at birth (A.F.A.B.), aka cis-gendered women. However, it can also occur to trans, non-binary and intersex folks whom I do not want to omit or ignore this conversation. For clarity and simplicity, this text uses those born with female anatomy. 

Osteopathic practice standards and other CPD elements covered
A) Communication and patient partnership A1, A2, A3, A5
B) Knowledge, skills and performance B1, B2
C) Safety and quality in practice C1, C6
D) Professionalism D10

Learning objectives

•     Review will the anatomy of the pelvis including muscles of the pelvic floor, how they work, why things go wrong and most importantly what can be done to help

•     Pelvic floor dysfunction /conditions and their impact on exercise

•     Key pelvic floor exercises explained, with easily digestible evidence for delegates to share with their patients

•     Overview of general exercise for women with pelvic floor problems, and those that have had corrective surgery. With a focus on the fundamental exercises which will make a difference to pelvic floor balance.

There will be an emphasis on self-help and home exercises which will aid your management, giving patients support outside of the treatment room

Timetable/course content

•     Review the anatomy of the pelvis including muscles of the pelvic floor

•     Pelvic floor dysfunction /conditions and there impact on exercise

•     Effective evidence based Pelvic floor exercise explained

Practical components which will on treatment couch and floor based mat.

Course suitability
This course is suitable for osteopaths and other qualified allied health practitioners. Unfortunately for insurance reasons we are not able to offer places to students on this course.

Timetable

09:00-09:30 Registration  

09:30-11:00 

• Introduction of the course and anatomy review, including muscles of the pelvic floor, time to explore /workshop in small groups and label diagrams, etc

• Discussion of Pelvic floor dysfunction/conditions and their impact on life and exercise, 

• Discuss what exercise should be avoided for how long and why. 

• Understand the scope of practice as it relates to addressing pelvic floor health for osteopaths/practitioners who do not perform internal pelvic floor exams.

11:00-11:30- Break.  

11:30-13:00 -Pilates for PFM health; on the Mat/couch, sitting and standing.Includes small group break-out session 

13:00- 14.00 -Lunch  

14.00-15:00 -Pilates for PFM health; on the Mat/couch, sitting and standing; includes small group break-out session 

15:00-15:15 -Break  

15:15-16.15 - Case-based

16.15-17:30 -Patient Education: Management Summary & Q&A