Pelvic Health Archives - Ontario Physiotherapy Association

Introductory Electrical Stimulation for Pelvic Health

Participants who register for this course have the option to attend the course live-online and/or watch the recording later. The recording will be available to all registrants for a 6-week period and access is provided on the next business day following the course. This allows participants who may not be able to attend live-online to still benefit from the course content.

Course Description:

This 3 hour introductory level course will help to unravel the mysteries of electrical stimulation techniques and allow you to apply principles rather than protocols when using it for pelvic health conditions. Starting with the basics of neuromuscular physiology then applying this to understand parameters you will be able to use clinical reasoning to work out the best applications for your patients.

There will be a focus on the most commonly seen pelvic health conditions OAB/ urinary urgency and pelvic pain as well as how to use electrical stimulation when pelvic floor weakness is a contributor to conditions such as SUI and POP.

There is a practical case study section along with how to troubleshoot issues with machines.

Course Objectives:

Understand basic neuromuscular physiology of neurons, nerve, and muscle fibres, how do they work?
Apply this to understanding the parameters used in electrical stimulation.
Understand the difference between NMES and TENS.
Learn the proposed theories of mechanism of action for both NMES and TENS.
Understand the differences between voluntary and stimulated muscle contractions.
Understand the differences between using high and low-frequency TENS for pain management.
Know when to choose either as an adjunct to your treatment and learn where they fit into the treatment paradigm/algorithm.
Understand the principles of electrode choice – how do you know which to choose?
Learn how to troubleshoot with a machine – what does it mean when the machine won’t go past 5-6mA?
Learn how to check electrodes and leads.
Apply what you have learned via an interactive case study session using the supplied parameter card download.

Audience: This course is open to registered health professionals for whom the use of electrical stimulation techniques for pelvic health are within the scope of practice.

Prerequisites: None

Biopsychosocial Reframed for Pelvic Health and MSK Therapists

This course is designed to be attended live during the specific dates and times listed. By attending live, you’ll be able to harness the benefits of live discussions, timely feedback, and a collaborative environment.

Course Description:

Persistent pelvic and musculoskeletal pain cannot be fully understood—or effectively treated—through a biomechanical lens alone. Although physiotherapists receive extensive training in anatomy, structure and movement, many clinicians find it challenging to translate the biopsychosocial model from theory into everyday practice.

This comprehensive course provides a practical, evidence-informed framework for assessing and treating the whole person. Participants will examine how biological, psychological and social factors interact to influence pain, disability and recovery. The course challenges common assumptions about pain, posture, core strength, imaging findings and tissue damage, while exploring how clinician language and treatment choices can either support recovery or unintentionally reinforce fear, dependency and a sense that the body is broken.

The Fit-for-Purpose Model offers clinicians a structured approach to persistent pain through three interconnected domains:

Conviction: beliefs, expectations, emotions and psychological flexibility
Connection: sensory-motor awareness, regulation and nervous-system adaptability
Condition: physical capacity, mobility, strength and tissue health

Participants will learn to assess these domains using clinical conversations, validated screening tools and physical examination findings. Treatment can then be matched to each patient’s presentation, preferences and readiness for change.

The course explores evidence-informed strategies including pain education, cognitive and behavioural skills, sensory-motor retraining, graded exposure, cardiovascular exercise, meditation, breathing practices, yoga, qi gong, expressive writing and progressive relaxation. Manual therapy and other passive interventions are reframed as potential adjuncts within a broader active rehabilitation plan—not as stand-alone solutions.

Emphasis is placed on patient-centred communication and a collaborative partnership that moves clinicians away from the role of “fixer.” Participants will develop greater confidence in discussing psychosocial contributors without dismissing the patient’s physical experience, recognizing factors that fall within physiotherapy scope, and determining when interdisciplinary referral is appropriate.

Clinical barriers—including limited appointment time, patient and clinician beliefs, uncertainty, and conflicting approaches within healthcare teams—will be addressed throughout the course. Participants will leave with practical strategies for making realistic, incremental changes that bring biopsychosocial care into everyday pelvic and musculoskeletal practice.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain why a biopsychosocial approach is necessary for the assessment and treatment of persistent pelvic and musculoskeletal pain.
Recognize and challenge common pain myths related to tissue damage, posture, core strength, structural “wear and tear,” and imaging findings.
Describe the relationship between pain, sensitization, psychosocial distress, sensory-motor dysregulation, physical conditioning and disability.
Apply the Fit-for-Purpose Model to assess the interconnected domains of Conviction, Connection and Condition.
Screen for relevant psychosocial and sensory-motor factors in all patients with persistent pelvic or musculoskeletal pain—not only those perceived as complex.
Select and use validated questionnaires, including the DASS-21, 3PSQ, Central Sensitization Inventory, Insomnia Severity Index and Fremantle questionnaires, to support clinical reasoning.
Interpret screening results within the broader clinical presentation without using questionnaires as stand-alone diagnostic tools.
Identify factors within physiotherapy scope and recognize when referral to another healthcare professional is indicated.
Match evidence-informed interventions to the individual patient’s pain drivers, goals, preferences, readiness and functional needs.
Integrate psychologically informed strategies such as pain education, cognitive and behavioural skills, graded exposure, mindfulness, breathing, relaxation and expressive writing into physiotherapy practice.
Use movement-based approaches, including cardiovascular exercise, sensory-motor retraining, yoga and qi gong, to address nervous-system sensitivity, altered body awareness, generalized tension and reduced physical capacity.
Position manual therapy and other passive modalities as adjuncts within an active, multimodal treatment plan while minimizing messages that may promote fear, dependency or a “broken body” mindset.
Communicate pain science in a validating, patient-centred manner that supports self-efficacy, therapeutic alliance and shared decision-making.
Develop an individualized, interdisciplinary treatment plan that integrates biological, psychological and social contributors to persistent pain.
Identify barriers to biopsychosocial implementation and create a realistic plan for introducing incremental changes into clinical practice.
Reflect on personal clinical assumptions, become more comfortable with uncertainty, and adopt an ongoing approach to professional growth and change.

Audience: This course is open to all healthcare professionals.

Prerequisites: None

Level 2: The Role of Physiotherapy in the Treatment for Anyone Experiencing Pelvic Pain Through a Trauma Informed Lens – Hybrid

The lecture component will take place live-online November 13-14, 2026, from 10:30am to 7:00pm ET (Toronto). By attending live, you’ll be able to harness the benefits of live discussions, timely feedback, and a collaborative environment.

In-person labs will be completed in-person on November 15, 2026, at various set locations. Attendance of both sessions (lecture and practical) is mandatory.

SAVE $50 WHEN YOU REGISTER FOR BOTH THE LEVEL 2 AND LEVEL 3 COURSES TOGETHER

The discount will be applied automatically at checkout once both courses are added to your cart. This offer is only valid when both courses are purchased in a single transaction.

Course Description:

This comprehensive course offers physiotherapists, and other health care professionals, an in-depth exploration of the assessment and evidence-based treatment strategies for individuals suffering from pelvic pain using a biopsychosocial approach (BPS). Topics covered in this course include (but are not limited to) the evaluation and hands-on treatment for the following conditions that contribute to pelvic pain: vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD), clitoral phimosis, dyspareunia, vaginismus, lichens sclerosis (LS), genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), pudendal neuralgia (PN), bladder pain syndrome (BPS), interstitial cystitis (IC), chronic non-bacterial prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), dysmenorrhea, endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Physiotherapists will gain knowledge in the pathophysiology, signs, and symptoms that lead to these impairments, the functional limitations, and disabilities they cause and outcome measures that can be used in the clinic. Learn the skills necessary to provide effective care, empowering clients to regain their quality of life.

Support resources, including assessment forms and patient handouts are included in the course cost.

Through completion of this course, participants will:

Understand the conditions/definitions of vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, persistent genital arousal disorder, clitoral phimosis, dyspareunia, vaginismus, lichens sclerosis, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, pudendal neuralgia, bladder pain syndrome, interstitial cystitis, chronic non-bacterial prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, and irritable bowel syndrome
Understand the common symptoms, impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities associated in anyone experiencing pelvic pain
Review the literature supporting the role of physiotherapy in the biopsychosocial approach for the assessment and treatment of pelvic pain conditions
Review pelvic floor anatomy, with regards to various pelvic pain conditions
Become familiar with the proper terminology used in assessment and treatment of the pelvic floor
Incorporate informed consent, trauma-informed care, and a culturally sensitive approach into all patient interventions
Review proper infection control techniques involved in pelvic floor muscle evaluation
Incorporate outcome measures for various conditions
Discuss precautions and contraindications for specific modalities
Improve palpation skills, vaginally and rectally, of the specific pelvic floor muscles in all three layers
Perform internal and external, vaginal and rectal myofascial and soft tissue treatment techniques specific to pelvic pain conditions
Establish appropriate patient centered goals and develop an evidence-based treatment plan and its progression for the management of pelvic pain conditions
Treatment interventions will include patient education, pain science education, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, behavioural modifications, lifestyle modifications and self-care strategies
Discuss the importance of a multidisciplinary approach
Recognize the need for medical consultation and referral for conditions and presentations outside of your scope of practice
Integrate these learnt concepts with the use of case studies
All content covered will be immediately applicable in clinical practice

During the practical session, attendees will work in small groups, taking on roles as both the clinician and patient. With an excellent ratio of lab assistants to participants, attendees will receive guidance throughout the trauma informed practical portion in a safe and supportive environment. Lab assistants will be available to answer questions and ensure a supportive learning environment.

If you are unable or uncomfortable acting as a patient model for any reason, you are required to bring someone (such as a friend, family member, or colleague) to practice on, as there is no guarantee that another participant will volunteer to act as a model more than once. Please notify info@pelvichealthsolutions.ca if you will be bringing someone to practice on.

This course is designed to evaluate the pelvic floor by learning specific examination and treatment techniques for these conditions, including vaginal and anal palpation. This course includes two days of live-online lecture, featuring comprehensive videos of all techniques, an in-person practical session, and access to a 1-day recorded course that focuses on understanding the impact of trauma on physical and emotional health and the barriers trauma may present to a patient’s experiences in healthcare, particularly pelvic floor physiotherapy. We recommend viewing the recorded course prior to the start of the live-online lecture.

Over the duration of the recorded trauma course, we will explore the two most common types of traumas impacting pelvic health – childhood sexual abuse and birth trauma. We will explore how physiotherapists can apply a trauma-informed lens to their pelvic practice resulting in greater awareness, understanding and sensitivity for patients identifying as survivors of trauma. Through this increased sensitivity, physiotherapists, and other health professionals, will better support their patients and in turn, observe higher levels of trust, adherence, and cooperation from their client base.

This section of the course will discuss/include:

Why is a trauma-informed lens important for healthcare providers?
Defining childhood sexual abuse and/or sexual assault
How to recognize trauma: Signs and Symptoms
Neurobiology of Trauma: How is the brain and emotional functioning affected?
How does childhood sexual abuse or sexual assault shape or redefine a patient’s identity, sense of self, and body image?
Defining birth trauma
How does birth trauma affect pelvic floor recovery?
Birth Trauma vs. Post-Partum Mood Disorders: Similarities and Differences
Disclosures of Trauma: Appropriate and Inappropriate Responses by Healthcare Workers
Coping techniques for patients

Join us for an immersive learning experience, using a trauma-informed lens, that will empower you to provide effective interventions for individuals dealing with pelvic pain.

Audience: This course is open to physiotherapists, physiotherapy students, naturopathic doctors, naturopathic students, registered nurses, midwives and medical doctors. Labs include internal palpation.

Prerequisites: Level 1 (or equivalent to be approved by PHS – please email info@pelvichealthsolutions.ca for approval).

Please Note: This course is both lecture format and practical labs with vaginal and rectal palpation.

Level 1: The Physical Therapy Approach For Anyone Experiencing Urinary Incontinence – Hybrid (Live-Online/In-Person)

Two-part format course:

The lecture component of the course will take place live-online October 23-24, 2026, from 10:30am to 7:00pm ET (Toronto). By attending live, you’ll be able to harness the benefits of live discussions, timely feedback, and a collaborative environment.

In-Person Labs – to be completed in-person on October 25, 2026, at various set locations. Attendance of both sessions (lecture and practical) is mandatory.

Course Description:

This comprehensive course focuses on the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of adults experiencing incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Designed for physiotherapists and other health professionals seeking to expand their knowledge in pelvic health, this course will equip participants with Level 1, Grade A evidence-based strategies to properly rehabilitate the pelvic floor. The course will help participants gain skills, beyond teaching externally driven pelvic floor exercises, to help enhance client outcomes.

This 3-day course is designed to evaluate the pelvic floor by learning specific examination and treatment techniques for these conditions, including vaginal and anal palpation. This course begins with two-days of live-online online lecture, featuring comprehensive videos of all techniques, followed by an in-person practical session.

Support resources, including assessment forms and patient handouts are included in the course cost.

Through completion of this course, participants will:

Acquire knowledge of anatomy and physiology of micturition, as well as pertinent pathologies for the different types of incontinence (stress, urge, mixed)
Acquire knowledge of the different types of pelvic organ prolapse (cystocele, rectocele, uterine/vaginal vault prolapse)
Acquire knowledge of the urodynamic and urological investigation procedures, as well as medical and surgical treatments for urinary incontinence and prolapse
Become familiar with the proper terminology used in assessment and treatment of the pelvic floor; learn to differentiate the difference between increased and decreased pelvic floor muscle tone
Incorporate informed consent, trauma-informed care, and a culturally sensitive approach into all patient interventions
Discuss proper infection control techniques involved in pelvic floor muscle evaluation
Incorporate outcome measures for various conditions
Discuss precautions and contraindications for specific modalities
Perform an evaluation of the pelvic floor vaginally and rectally
Establish appropriate patient centered goals and develop an evidence-based treatment plan and its progression for the management of incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse
Gain skills in a variety of treatment techniques, including patient education, pelvic floor exercises, functional training, biofeedback, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, manual therapy, behavioural interventions, and lifestyle modifications
Recognize the need for medical consultation and referral for conditions and presentations outside of your scope of practice
Integrate these learnt concepts with the use of case studies
All content covered will be immediately applicable in clinical practice

Join us for an immersive learning experience that will empower you to provide effective interventions for individuals dealing with incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and overall well-being.

Prerequisites: None – beginner level course

Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

Please note – if you do not attend live, there will be approximately 10 minutes of images shown which will not be recorded for privacy reasons.

Course Description:

Breast cancer is the most prevailing cancer among women and currently the most common diagnosed cancer worldwide. With the incredible advances seen in breast cancer management, survivorship has increased, leading to over 70% of women will be left with an impairment that can be prevented and treated by rehabilitation professionals.

This course is designed to equip healthcare professionals especially physical therapists, with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide comprehensive and evidence-based care for individuals affected by breast cancer, contributing to their overall well-being and recovery. As survivorship is a unique and complex journey, physical therapists play a crucial role in supporting individuals during this phase. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by breast cancer survivors, the complexities of rehabilitation during cancer treatment and the role of physical therapy in optimizing their functional outcomes and quality of life.

Additionally, the course is designed to provide the groundwork to begin developing skills in breast cancer rehabilitative care. Drawing attention to biopsychosocial and person-centered care, this course will teach evidence-based rehabilitation techniques through all stages of treatment including chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and endocrine therapies. Rehabilitation professionals will learn to focus on all aspects of the person’s life to engage and empower patients in their recovery. Special focus will be on the practical components of assessment, soft tissue manipulation techniques along with a how to provide an appropriate therapeutic home exercise program by working with the patient’s individuals needs and meaningful goals.

By the end of this course, participants will possess the knowledge and practical skills necessary to deliver proficient and empathetic physical therapy care for individuals grappling with breast cancer. The curriculum adopts an evidence-based and patient-centered approach, highlighting the importance of shared decision-making to enhance their holistic well-being and facilitate a successful recovery.

Restoring health during cancer treatment is more than just removing disease. The evidence is overwhelming that cancer rehabilitation is a critical part of the cancer care pathway and rehabilitation professionals are well positioned to provide the personalized care people need and want and deserve. I welcome you to embark on this journey with me by taking a deeper dive at the principles of oncology rehabilitation in individuals affected by breast cancer.

Course Objectives:

Review the incidence, etiology and risk factors for breast cancer
Identify the various types of breast cancers, methods of diagnosis and staging
Recognize the various forms of treatments used for breast cancer including:
- Understanding the various surgical techniques used in managing breast cancer including reconstruction procedures
- Identifying the common sequelae related to chemotherapy and radiotherapy (i.e. cardiotoxicity, cancer related fatigue, radiation fibrosis, lymphedema)
- Review the long-term implications of hormone therapy (i.e. osteoporosis, joint arthralgia, vaginal dryness)
Overview of current evidence-based knowledge and clinical expertise related to breast cancer rehabilitation and exercise
Understand the roadmap of rehabilitation before, during and post-cancer treatment
Identify and treat for common musculoskeletal impairments including postural, shoulder and scapular dysfunction, scarring and soft tissue dysfunctions, axillary web syndrome and radiation fibrosis
Evidence-based approach to lymphedema management
Identify the general benefits of exercise for breast cancer patients
Safely design an appropriate oncology rehab program plan derived from evidence-based guidelines and clinical and screening tools presented in course

Audience: All regulated healthcare professionals including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses and massage therapists.

Prerequisites: None

Yoga for Pelvic Health – Incontinence, Prolapse, Bowel Dysfunction, Pregnancy & Postpartum

Course Description:

Yoga and mindfulness are powerful tools for healing, especially for pelvic health conditions such as incontinence, urinary urgency, pelvic organ prolapse, bowel disorders, pregnancy and postpartum. Clinicians will leave this course ready to integrate yoga and mindfulness practice in their treatment and exercise prescriptions. Content will include research in these areas of biopsychosocial practice, as well as detailed examples of yoga poses specific to clinical diagnosis with modifications and contraindications.

This class is an active learning experience. You will be moving, including practicing yoga postures and mindfulness techniques to help your patients and support your own health and well-being.

Course Objectives:

Know how to design a yoga-based program for your patients, incorporating selection and correct positioning in yoga postures.
Be able to support patients in engaging their mind-body connection through Polyvagal Theory and somatic interoception.
Learn about types of yoga and meditation practice to effectively support referral of patients to classes in the community.
Practice yoga, kriyas, yoga nidra, and breathing exercises during the program to experience their benefits and be able to teach them to your patients.
Understand the current research supporting yoga and meditation for a variety of pelvic health conditions.
Have a resource library including apps, websites, and books to provide therapists with reference material and assist patients with adherence.
Access to yoga-based patient education handouts for various pelvic health diagnoses.
Improve clinicians’ ability to care for their own health, reduce burnout, and enjoy life and work.

Please note:

This course includes 4 hours of pre-course work videos to be watched
Participants need to be in a space that allows safe & whole body movement
Participants should wear loose, comfortable clothing and are encouraged to have with them a yoga mat or towel, yoga blocks, and strap if available.

Audience: Open to all healthcare and wellness/fitness professionals.

Prerequisites: None

The Running Athlete

Participants who register for this course have the option to attend the course live and/or watch the recorded sessions later. The recording will be available to all registrants for a 6-week period after the course/each session. This allows participants who may not be able to attend the live sessions to still benefit from the course content.

Course Description:

An athlete’s success is so much more than their body or their sport. The purpose of this course is to provide practitioners with the tools, knowledge, clarity and confidence to grasp the complexities and depth of what runners need to perform and be well within and outside of their sport.

This course will introduce current scientific evidence, gait analysis and retraining, management for overuse injuries, basic knowledge concerning shoes and orthotics as well as understanding the differences between male and female runners. We will discuss female specific concerns such as training with your menstrual cycle and running during pregnancy and postpartum. This course will prepare you for treating all adult runners. You will be introduced to running specific exercises and running drills that you can immediately implement in clinic.

This comprehensive running medicine course will allow you to see your running athletes through a wider, more holistic lens. Participants will learn the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in caring for these athletes. The course will encourage the participant to investigate the entire kinetic chain rather than simply looking at the knee or ankle that is injured. It will challenge the participants’ clinical reasoning skills and their ability to treat running athletes comprehensively.

Course Objectives – Participants will:

Be able to perform a basic running gait analysis and be able to translate their findings into a successful gait retraining session with their patients using the evidence-based research and observation skills learned in class.
Be able to articulate the relationship between breathing, posture and running form, and then implement these concepts into their treatment plans.
Learn the physiological differences between male/female runners and why it is important to understand these differences.
Be able to see the runner through a wider lens; how a runner’s daily life impacts their injury and recovery.
Be able to easily identify signs/symptoms of overtraining.
Have basic knowledge about running shoes.
Be comfortable treating the pregnant and postpartum athlete
Learn cues and tips for running with a stroller successfully.
Leave with some running drills and exercises to quickly implement in practice
Learn to communicate with both non-medical and medical practitioners and on behalf of their patients in order to provide well-rounded multi-disciplinary care to their clients.

Audience: Open to all healthcare and wellness professionals.

Prerequisites: None

Oncology & The Pelvic Floor

Course Description:

Cancers of the pelvis represent a significant proportion of new cancer diagnoses in both cis-males and females. Regardless of whether treatment involves surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, patients often experience side effects that vary in type and severity. These depend on factors such as the organs involved, the size of the treatment area, the extent of surgery, the type and dosage of radiation or chemotherapy, and the individual’s overall health and co-morbidities.

Pelvic health physiotherapy is uniquely equipped to support individuals facing the challenges of cancer treatment. By addressing urinary, bowel, and sexual dysfunction, physiotherapists can play a vital role in improving function and enhancing quality of life. This evidence-based course takes a whole-person approach to care, with a focus on supporting an often under-serviced population during and after cancer treatment.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Identify and discuss the different types of pelvic cancers.
Understand the medical treatment pathways for various pelvic cancers.
Recognize the potential side effects of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Explore and apply various dilator protocols used after pelvic cancer and radiation treatment.
Examine the evidence supporting physiotherapy’s role as an integral member of the multidisciplinary cancer care team, both during and after treatment.

Audience: This course is open to healthcare professionals

Prerequisites: Level 1 (or equivalent to be approved)

Pregnancy, Pelvic Girdle Pain & The Pelvic Floor

If you are watching the recording only, please note that the breakout room discussions are not recorded and you’ll only be able to see the discussion after.

Description:

This advanced-level course is designed to deepen the knowledge of physiotherapists and other healthcare providers in optimizing pelvic health throughout the perinatal period and postpartum period, with a specific focus on understanding and managing pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PGP).

Participants will explore evidence-based strategies to prevent pelvic floor dysfunction during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as best practices for restoring pelvic floor function in the postpartum period. The course will provide a comprehensive overview of appropriate exercise prescription both before and after birth, tailored to support pelvic health.

In addition, advanced assessment and treatment techniques for anorectal dysfunction related to coccydynia in pregnancy and postpartum will be reviewed and demonstrated.

PGP is poorly understood by many clients and clinicians. This course will challenge outdated narratives—such as the overemphasis on relaxin—and equip participants with a clearer understanding of the true drivers of this clinical presentation with particular attention to muscle imbalances that contribute to the clinical presentation. Clinicians will leave with tools necessary to foster a more confident, effective approach to care.

This is a live two-day online lecture course, which includes videos of all assessment and treatment techniques.

Included in this course are the following videos that must be watched prior to the course. You’ll have an opportunity to ask any questions that may arise from watching the videos during the course.

DRA video (2.75 hours) – created by Munira Hudani for Pelvic Health Solutions on practical tools and tips, exercise principles and progressions, and the framework she uses.
Clinical tests and exercises video (18 minutes) – created by Susan Clinton for Pelvic Health Solutions on special tests to assess pelvic girdle pain and treatment strategies.

Upon completion, participants will:

Explore the anatomical, physiological and hormonal changes that occur during the perinatal and postnatal stages.
Discuss and review pelvic floor anatomy, focusing on its role in pelvic girdle pain, incontinence and dyspareunia.
Learn about the phases of labour.
Gain insight into the physiotherapist’s role in both perinatal and postnatal care, including birth plan preparation, perineal massage and birth positions options during labor.
Learn assessment and treatment considerations for episiotomy scars/tears, c-section scars, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, dyspareunia, diastasis recti, coccydynia and other musculoskeletal conditions that occur during pregnancy and postpartum.
Gain knowledge on exercise considerations during pregnancy and postpartum, including return to running guidelines and post c-section recovery treatment guidelines.
Learn to recognize red flags, contraindications to various treatments, including exercise in high-risk pregnant population and become familiar with urgent maternal signs.
Understand obstetric red flags that may require a referral to medical team (OB, midwife, family MD or nurse practitioner)
Investigate the causes of pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, along with associated impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities.
Perform a lumbopelvic assessment of pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain using provocation testing and applying a biopsychosocial approach
Establish appropriate patient centered goals and develop an evidence-based treatment plan during pregnancy and postpartum
Develop knowledge in evidence-informed strategies to address and mitigate pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, including exercise and lifestyle interventions.
Integrate these learnt concepts with the use of case studies.

Audience: This course is open to all practitioners who work with women in the perinatal care period: physiotherapists, naturopathic doctors, nurses, midwives, and medical doctors.

Prerequisite: Level 1 (or equivalent to be approved by PHS – please email info@pelvichealthsolutions.ca for approval).

Treating the Artistic Athlete – Optimizing Pelvic Health in Dancers and Related Performing Artists

Course Description

Dancers and other artistic athletes, including circus artists, gymnasts, and figure skaters, have unique demands that include repetitive loading in extreme ranges of motion, intense training and performing schedules, and a requirement for artistic/emotional expression and exploration. They also experience pelvic floor issues such as incontinence at similar rates to other high-level athletes, regardless of pregnancy history.

The purpose of this course is to help pelvic health practitioners address dancers and related artistic athletes and their pelvic health concerns in a comprehensive manner specific to their unique training, movement, and performance demands.

This course will introduce common movement demands, including repetitive impact loading and range of motion requirements, along with typical non-optimal training and movement habits of performers that impact pelvic floor function—as well as how to address them. You will also be introduced to common overall health issues in dancers and other artistic athletes, including hypermobility, nutrient deficiencies/RED-S, inadequate general preparation for sport demands, and psychosocial factors that impact their pelvic health and wellness. You will leave with example exercises and cues that can be implemented to address the specific needs of dancers and related artistic athletes.

This comprehensive course will help you in optimally addressing dancers and related artistic athletes according to their unique needs, using an approach that considers the whole kinetic chain as well as holistic and multidisciplinary considerations. This course is appropriate for pelvic health practitioners who want to expand their skillset in treating dancers and other performing athletes.

Course Objectives:

Participants will understand the training philosophies and trends for dancers and related artistic athletes that are unique compared to other sports, and how these can impact pelvic health.
Participants will understand the range of motion and impact demands of dancers and related artistic athletes, and how to approach these demands in relation to their impact on the pelvic floor.
Participants will be able to assess common breathing, pelvic floor, and intra-abdominal pressure management habits unique to performing arts training, and will be equipped to re-educate artistic athletes in more effective and efficient strategies.
Participants will be able to identify signs and concerns related to hypermobility in artistic athletes and develop strategies for their management.
Participants will be able to screen for common health issues in artistic athletes, such as RED-S and psychosocial concerns, that impact pelvic floor health, and know what to do when these concerns are present.
Participants will learn example exercises and cues from across the kinetic chain to improve overall movement strategies in artistic athletes and offload the pelvic floor.

Audience: This course is appropriate for pelvic health practitioners who want to expand their skill set in treating dancers and other performing athletes.

Prerequisites: A basic understanding of management of pelvic floor dysfunction is recommended.

Introductory Electrical Stimulation for Pelvic Health

Biopsychosocial Reframed for Pelvic Health and MSK Therapists

Level 2: The Role of Physiotherapy in the Treatment for Anyone Experiencing Pelvic Pain Through a Trauma Informed Lens – Hybrid

Level 1: The Physical Therapy Approach For Anyone Experiencing Urinary Incontinence – Hybrid (Live-Online/In-Person)

Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

Yoga for Pelvic Health – Incontinence, Prolapse, Bowel Dysfunction, Pregnancy & Postpartum

The Running Athlete

Oncology & The Pelvic Floor

Pregnancy, Pelvic Girdle Pain & The Pelvic Floor

Treating the Artistic Athlete – Optimizing Pelvic Health in Dancers and Related Performing Artists

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