Bladder, bowel, and food diaries will be discussed, as will common outcome measures such as APFQ, pain scales, POP-Q, and ICS scales. Adjunctive devices such as pelvic floor training devices and apps will be discussed, as well as the importance of sleep, nutrition, stress management, and exercise as it relates to pelvic health.
Common conditions and treatments covered will include pelvic organ prolapse, sexual dysfunctions, pelvic pain (male and female), gut health, menopause, coccyx injuries, prostate surgery, and hard flaccid syndrome. Common dermatological conditions and cancers of the pelvic region will be discussed.
We will also be reviewing case studies and challenging you to critically think at all stages of the patient management process.
I will run a 'How to perform internal rectal examinations' session the Friday afternoon prior to the Intermediate course. This course will be for those who are already practicing as pelvic health therapists, but who either have not learnt yet how to do internal rectal exams, or for those who wish to update their skills in this area. See RECTAL: Rectal Examinations for details and to book.
- 10. Love it that I could eat most of the food even though I'm on keto :D
- 10 - loved the gut health foods and drinks
- Super yummy, filling, and healthy
- 10 oh yerrrrrr
- All was delicious
- 10!!!
- Healthy and delicious
- 10/10 - Great to experience the foods talked about for gut health, will be trying more (with my steak!)
Specialist Physiotherapist in Pelvic Health
PhD, MPhil, Dip.Physiotherapy, B.Science, Dip.Manipulation,
Post Graduate Certificates in Physiotherapy (Pelvic Floor and Acupuncture)
Registered with the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand under Specialist Scope of Practice
Member of Physiotherapy New Zealand
To attend this course, you must already be practicing as a pelvic health professional and completing internal vaginal and rectal* examinations with patients. You must be a registered health professional in New Zealand with a regulatory body.
Prerequisites 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. Participants must also be willing to allow both female and male participants to examine them. This course allows both females and males 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.
Pre-reading will be provided to complete prior to the course starting.
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.