The focus of this course is learning how to assess patients using internal examinations (vaginal and rectal). Assessment of the pelvic floor muscles, levator ani avulsions, coccyx injuries, prolapses, and maternal birth injuries will be taught using the latest international guidelines. Peer-to-peer learning is used to maximize your ability to learn new skills. Three practical sessions during the course are provided for you to practice your assessment and treatment skills in a supportive environment.
Incontinence (urinary and faecal), pelvic organ prolapses, bowel issues, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic pain conditions in females and males will be introduced at a basic level.
The course is clinically focused and will give you tools to enable you to immediately branch into the field of women's and men's pelvic health, and to call yourself a pelvic health therapist. Females, males, and gender diverse registered health professionals are invited to take part in this course.
Melissa is a great teacher; the course provides a good mix of theory and practical in a safe environment and you come away feeling confident in your new skills – Jenny
The contents of the course was great. Really friendly & supportive learning environment from Melissa and also other colleagues attending the course – Linh
Amazing course, I was hesitant on going the step further into internal exams, but the course was fun, friendly, and not at all scary. The knowledge of the research and the clinical experience Melissa has in this area is very evident in the logical and informative way she has structured this course. I learnt a lot – Nina
Melissa's course on introduction to pelvic floor physiotherapy was a fantastic course that helped me to gain a wealth of knowledge and practical skills for starting to assess and treat pelvic health. Anyone who is looking to focus in this area of Physiotherapy should do this course – Rebecca
- Super yummy, filling, and healthy
- 10/10
- All was delicious
- 10!!!
- Pretty Nom
- Fantastic!!!
- 10+/10
- Nom nom
- Limited course numbers on each course.
- Females, males, and gender diverse registered health professionals are invited to take part in this course.
- You must be a registered health professional in New Zealand with a regulatory body (e.g., physiotherapist, osteopath, etc.) to attend this course.
- As this is a practical course which involves internal examinations, participants must be willing and able to have vaginal and/or rectal examinations done on them by fellow attendees. Peer-to-peer learning is used to ensure you gain the most from the course. This course allows all genders an opportunity to learn from each other and gain vital, practical clinical skills.
- We will ensure the environment is private and supportive. Informed consent is discussed in detail on the course, and you will have the ability to consent or not consent to internal examination at the time of the assessments.
- If you have your period, internal examinations can still be completed. Low risk pregnancies are not a contraindication to internal examinations, however, please get in touch with Melissa to discuss prior to registering on the course.
- Some people may have known or unknown 'triggers' that might cause them psychological stresses on the course. Please let Melissa know in advance if you have any known triggers so we can adjust things for you to make your learning these techniques as comfortable as possible, and help you to become a pelvic health therapist.
- Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea will be provided. If you have specific food requirements or allergies, we recommend you bring your own food with you.
A pre-course test needs to be completed prior to the course to ensure the pre-reading has been completed.
There will be practical assessments during the course testing clinical assessment skills learned on the weekend to ensure at the end of the course you are competent. These are completed throughout the weekend and done in a relaxed, comfortable fashion. You will need to pass these assessments to complete the course.
A post-course test and evaluation will need to be completed prior to you receiving your completion certificate.