Dyspareunia, including Vulvar Vestibulodynia
Online: June 5-6, 2021, 8-5 PM (PT)
Lab: Victoria — Sat., June 12, 2021, 8-5 PM (PT)
Lab: Vancouver — Sun., June 13, 2021, 8-5 PM (PT)
Full attendance (online and in lab) is required to receive course certificate
Prerequisites
This course is open to Registered Physical Therapists, physicians, nurse practitioners, midwives, registered nurses, naturopaths and physical therapy students (who have completed a basic introductory pelvic floor course with instruction in internal exams).
Tuition
Early bird rate until May 2, 2021:
$650.00 + 5% GST ($682.50)
After May 2, 2021:
$700.00 + 5% GST ($735.00)
Student Rate:
$600.00 + 5% GST ($630.00)
4 student spaces available per course.
Confirmation of active enrollment in physiotherapy program is required.
Course description
This course will examine, in an evidence-based approach, the presentation, pathophysiology, and physical therapy evaluation and interventions for dyspareunia (painful intercourse) through the lifespan, including, but not limited to, the most common cause for painful intercourse, vulvar vestibulodynia. Pain pathophysiology, EMG biofeedback, the impact of dyspareunia on relationships, sexual response, conception, and anxiety as well as evidence-informed specific treatments to address these concerns within a physiotherapy scope of practice will be included. Specific cognitive behavioural (CBT) and mindfulness techniques for use directly in physiotherapy treatment are also taught. A basic introductory pelvic floor course with instruction in vaginal exams is required. Courses in central and peripheral pain pathophysiology and treatment are an asset, but not mandatory.
EMG biofeedback units will be available for each group of 2-3 physical therapists throughout the course for all lab sessions. Learning this skill is another reason to take this course!
The course attendee will leave the course with new skills to use immediately on return to their office the next day!
Why choose our courses? (can we make this a link?)
All courses:
Our courses focus on active rather than passive techniques. Treatment techniques are supported by incontinence, prolapse and pain science peer reviewed literature. Learn new techniques for your “tool box” that are not myofascial or trigger point related.
Emphasis on client empowerment through education and active treatment.
Learn to differentiate between motor control and strength issues.
Understand the value of skilled EMG biofeedback use (for pelvic floor courses).
Get practical experience using EMG or Real-Time Ultrasound Imaging biofeedback in small groups.
Develop critical thinking skills in the assessment and treatment components of the course. We want all course participants to receive an honorary Sherlock Holmes Degree! Return to the clinic the next day with the ability to critically analyze your subjective and objective findings. There is no recipe. Every question you ask and intervention you give needs to have a purpose based on your critical analysis and thinking. If you don’t understand during the course – Ask us! Challenge us!
Explore concepts of hypertonicity and increased tone in voluntary muscles with no neurological damage.
1/2 day clinical shadow OR a 1-hour scheduled phone/FaceTime or Skype consult with course instructor within 3 months of course completion.
Introductory Pelvic Floor, Incontinence, Prolapse and Prostate Cancer Courses:
Evidence-based treatments for muscle strength and endurance gains.
Recognize when estrogen or pain medication may or may not be helpful and how to have this discussion with patients and physicians.
Get practical experience using EMG or Real-Time Ultrasound Imaging biofeedback in small groups.
Understand the sexual health impact of prostate cancer treatment and the role of physiotherapy
Explore concepts of hypertonicity and increased tone in voluntary muscles with no neurological damage
Pain Condition Courses:
Evidence-informed active (rather than passive) treatment techniques for your tool kit for pain conditions.
Direct application of mindfulness and CBT skills into physiotherapy interventions.
Evidence-based intervention for pain conditions.
Education on the evolution of male and female sexual response theories.
Education on current female and male sexual response theories and how to directly apply this information within a physiotherapy scope of practice and specific treatment interventions.
Recognize when estrogen, corticosteroids and pain medication may or may not be helpful and how to have this discussion with patients and physicians.
Get practical experience using EMG or Real-Time Ultrasound Imaging biofeedback in small groups.
Explore concepts of hypertonicity and increased tone in voluntary muscles with no neurological damage.