1.5CEHs
Course Description
As experts of the musculoskeletal system, physical therapists in the orthopedic setting can utilize interventions and techniques developed by pelvic floor therapists to provide whole-person care. Pelvic physical therapists focus on the main stabilizers of the lumbopelvic region (transverse abdominis, multifidi, diaphragm, and pelvic floor muscles) for the treatment of common pelvic conditions such as incontinence, constipation, and pelvic pain through modifying intra-abdominal pressure.1 The transverse abdominis and multifidi are also incorporated in the treatment of common orthopedic diagnoses involving thoracic, lumbar, sacroiliac and hip pain. However, the pelvic floor muscles and diaphragm are not commonly addressed in standard orthopedic physical therapy. In addition to pain and stress management benefits, diaphragm training has been shown to increase the thickness of lumbar stabilizers in patients with non-specific low back pain.2 Pelvic floor muscle training has also been linked to decreased pain and higher levels of function in specific and non-specific low back pain.3,4 Therefore, utilizing diaphragmatic and pelvic floor interventions as a component of evidence-based care has the potential to improve outcomes for patients with common orthopedic conditions.
Learning Tracks
Learning Track
Presenter
Jenny G. Porter, PT, DPT & Estefania Zuluaga Garcia, PT, DPT
Home Study
Learning Objectives
1. Review the relationship between pelvic floor muscles, diaphragm, multifidi and transversus abdominis
2. Assess whether pelvic floor strengthening or relaxation is appropriate for patients with hip, SIJ, and spinal conditions.
3. Incorporate interventions utilized by pelvic floor physical therapists to provide whole person care for patients with orthopedic pain.
