This course is suitable for any registered physiotherapist who has an interest in women’s health and pelvic floor assessment and treatment. There will be both theory and practical components.
Topics covered will include the anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor, types of urinary incontinence, subjective and objective assessment (including vaginal examination) and treatment strategies. An important focus of this course will be internal vaginal examinations which all participants are expected to partake in.
This is a basic entry-level course making it suitable for physiotherapists starting out in this area of physiotherapy or those who are unsure and wish to find out more.
- To assist participants to understand basic anatomy relevant to continence in women and use appropriate terminology.
- To introduce evidence-based information on pelvic floor examination and assessment of incontinence for physiotherapists.
- To enable participants to use simple assessment and treatment procedures in advising/treating women with mild stress, urge or mixed incontinence.
On completion of this course participants should be able to:
- Use their knowledge to identify and understand female pelvic anatomy and types of incontinence.
- Perform a basic assessment appropriate to presenting symptoms.
- Analyse and interpret a bladder diary.
- Follow correct consent process for vaginal assessment of pelvic floor muscles.
- Perform a vaginal pelvic floor muscle examination in a safe, professional manner.
- Formulate an effective management plan for treatment of mild stress, urge or mixed incontinence
