Pelvic Floor Courses Can Transform Your Therapy Practice and Change Lives.

Pelvic floor courses, ortho courses, neuro courses... In the ever-demanding world of physical and occupational therapy, the horizon of knowledge stretches endlessly, inviting dedicated professionals to dive deeper and emerge stronger for the sake of their patients. Amidst this kaleidoscope of specialties, one unassuming yet mighty discipline stands ready to revolutionize your practice and touch countless lives in ways you never thought possible. 

Enter pelvic floor therapy, a hidden gem that not only enhances your clinical skillset but also carries the power to profoundly transform lives from the inside out.

Imagine how grateful a patient feels when they no longer have to secretly suffer from bladder problems, or the joy of someone who feels confident and close to their partner again after years of pain. If you've started working in pelvic health, you've surely experienced the amazing impact and deep satisfaction this work brings.

In the realm of orthopedics, you can mend bones and restore mobility, but pelvic floor therapy taps into an even deeper, often unspoken, realm of personal liberation and emotional relief. This field is not just about muscles and mechanics. It's about helping people regain their dignity, improve important bodily functions, and empower them in ways they never imagined.

The fact is clear: Pelvic health is not just essential—it’s urgently in demand. Kirby et al. (2013) forecast a dramatic 35% rise in the need for care for female pelvic floor disorders between 2010 and 2030. But let's shine a light on male pelvic health—a field that has quietly waited for heroes like you to emerge.

The statistics are staggering. Przydacz et al. (2020) in Nature reveal that 72% of men grapple with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTs). Yafi et al. (2016) highlight that 52% face erectile dysfunction, while Smith (2016) reports that 16% suffer from chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

72% grapple with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTs). 52% face erectile dysfunction (ED), while 16% suffer from chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).

These men have been silently struggling for a while. They are seeking a compassionate therapist to assist them in getting their lives back on track.

Physical therapists and occupational therapists, this is your moment. Your unique skills are not just a responsibility; they are a rare chance to make a big impact. By helping both women and men, you become a lifeline, breaking the chains of silent suffering.

You do more than just provide physical relief - you can boost self-confidence, bring back dignity, and bring back feelings of comfort and happiness.

The urgency has never been greater, and the impact you can make has never been more significant. Be the beacon of hope these individuals need. 

What Should Clinicians Look for When Choosing Pelvic Floor Courses?

What’s a good curriculum?

A comprehensive curriculum is paramount. Search for pelvic floor courses that address various problems such as incontinence, pelvic pain, sexual health, and postpartum recovery. 

The best curriculum for pelvic floor courses also focuses on the highly practical, and teaches clinicians how to see the big picture and make sense of all the pieces. We find that some pelvic floor courses are too theoretical. While diving into the complexities of anatomy and physiology and staying updated with the latest academic research can be enlightening, their practical utility often falls short. The best pelvic floor courses, however, bridge this gap by ensuring that the knowledge you acquire is seamlessly applicable in real-world clinical settings, turning theory into tangible results.

The other big thing to consider is which population you want to help first within the world of pelvic health.

Pelvic floor therapy is different for men and women. It's like mastering both violin and piano. Each requires specific skills and attention to detail. Yes, foundational principles of anatomy and physiology serve as the common "music theory" linking the two, but the application and finesse are markedly different. 

In female pelvic health, you'll encounter conditions such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and postpartum recovery issues. These require an intimate understanding of female anatomy, hormonal influences, and the impact of childbirth on pelvic structures. On the other hand, male pelvic health focuses on a separate range of complex issues—chronic prostatitis, erectile dysfunction, post-prostatectomy incontinence, and male pelvic pain. These conditions require understanding of male anatomy and the unique differences in male pelvic floor dysfunctions compared to females.

While a unified approach might seem tempting, it's essential to appreciate that methodologies effective for female patients may not translate seamlessly to male patients. Treating these conditions effectively necessitates focused, separate learning paths, each rich in sex-specific details.

Think of it like learning to play two different instruments. While they both involve music theory, each one requires a unique technique, touch, and practice routine. Similarly, mastering pelvic floor therapy for both men and women involves understanding their distinct anatomical landscapes and tailoring your interventions accordingly.

The A.D.A.M & E.V.E acronym: biopsychosocial differences of the pelvic floor between male and female patients.

Clinicians must resist the urge to apply a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, invest in specialized pelvic floor courses that offer thorough, segmented training for male and female pelvic health. Look for programs that specifically address the differences in pelvic floor dysfunctions between men and women.

It's okay to focus on either treating female or only male patients for pelvic health. Even mastering just one can greatly improve your patients' quality of life. However, if you plan to treat both, it's imperative that you commit to obtaining the complete spectrum of training required for each. Only then can you ensure that you're providing the best, most individualized care possible.

Credentialed instructors.

Credentialed instructors can make or break your learning experience. Find courses taught by experienced professionals who are knowledgeable in theory and passionate about pelvic health. These instructors bring invaluable insights and real-time clinical pearls, fostering a learning environment rich with open dialogue, enthusiastic engagement, and personalized feedback.

Herman and Wallace courses were instrumental in putting female pelvic health on the map. Visionaries like Kathe Wallace and Hollis Herman channeled their passion into creating an educational platform that resonated deeply with many. Their dedication brought a level of personalized engagement that made attendees feel seen, heard, and inspired. These courses didn't just educate; they fostered connections and kindled a sense of community among practitioners.

At IPC, we share a similar passion for advancing pelvic health but with a distinct focus on male pelvic health. One of our main instructor is Dr. Woody.

Dr. Woody, M.Sc PT, MMed, MBBS, Cert. MDT teaching the Great Symphony Orchestra at one of IPC pelvic floor courses.

His unique background as a medical doctor and surgeon in China and pelvic PT in Canada allows us to offer a depth of insight from both the pharmaco-medico-surgical approach and the rehabilitation perspective.

Can pelvic floor courses offer real practical experience?

Practical experience is non-negotiable. The best pelvic floor courses include hands-on labs and live demos, so you can practice techniques in a safe environment. This experiential learning builds both your confidence and competence, ensuring that you're ready to apply new skills with your patients. It's even better if the program offers follow-up support, such as mentorship opportunities or peer discussion forums, to continue the growth long after the course ends.

During live courses, it's crucial to practice real techniques on real cases because the hands-on experience is incredibly valuable. This is why in-person courses are available. In many standard courses, clinicians often practice on each other, which can be distracting and far from ideal. At IPC, we believe that clinicians should not have to pay for a course only to practice on fellow classmates, especially when it doesn't accurately recreate the same anatomical scenarios you will encounter in real patients. 

This is particularly important for men's health courses. Practicing techniques on female colleagues pretending to be male patients does not provide an authentic learning experience. It’s essential to practice on actual male anatomy to truly understand the nuances and ensure the highest quality of care.

That's why at IPC we hire real male models in our male pelvic floor courses for hands-on practice.  By prioritizing such in-depth, realistic hands-on training, we set a higher standard in pelvic health education. This method ensures that not only are your new skills accurate and effective, but they are also seamlessly transferrable to your clinical practice.

Clinicians at one of our IPC male pelvic floor courses going over techniques with a real male model.

Ready to Take on the Challenge and Specialize in Pelvic Floor?

Our world desperately needs more pelvic PT rising to the challenge and transforming both women and men's lives. And we’re glad to see the growing interest from PTs seeking more pelvic floor physical therapy courses. We've also been privileged to witness the pioneering efforts of trailblazing OTs who have joined this mission with passion and innovation. Now, it's your turn.

If you're inspired to dive into male pelvic health, explore our treasure trove of free resources here: get started.

For those eager to empower women, you can see which courses fit your needs. There are many excellent courses providers out there: APTA pelvic floor courses, Herman & Wallace courses, Pelvic Guru, and Pelvic PT Rising. 

Investing in good pelvic floor courses is just a career move; it's a calling. Embrace it. Shape lives. Be extraordinary. Let's rewrite the future of pelvic health together.