2026 Pelvic Physical Therapy III: Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Specific Populations and Complex Disorders. A Case-based Approach

2026 Pelvic Physical Therapy III: Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy: Specific Populations and Complex Disorders. A Case-based Approach is organized by Brooks Rehabilitation Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) and will be held from Nov 07 - 08, 2026 at Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital - University Campus, Jacksonville, Florida, United States of America.

Description:
This 2 day course is the third and final in a series of competency based courses designed to give the practicing clinician comprehensive skill and knowledge in pelvic physical therapy. Evaluation and treatment of pelvic dysfunction in special patient populations, including male patients, pediatrics, and the neurologically impaired will be a focus of the course. An exploration of the pathophysiology and physical therapy evaluation and treatment of endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, and male urinary incontinence and pelvic pain will compliment psychomotor training lab training with a focus on manual therapy, pain science and interventions appropriate to the specialized populations. Case presentations and lab work will prepare the clinician for immediate clinical application of skills and knowledge upon return to the clinical setting. Course content is evidence based, and will promote the use of the most reliable tests, measures, and interventions

Course Objectives:
At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

• Describe pathophysiology of endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, male pelvic pain and post prostatectomy, and neurogenic bladder.
• Apply knowledge of the physiology of defecation and the pathophysiology of defecatory disorders to an examination scheme in specialized population.
• Apply knowledge of the pathophysiology of chronic pelvic pain to an examination and intervention scheme in both male and females.
• Describe specific dysfunctions of the genitourinary and gastrointestinal systems throughout the lifecycle; including male, pediatric and geriatric populations.
• Diagnose impairments of the pelvic floor and surrounding structures and their impact on intervention and function 
• Perform an external and internal examination and evaluation of the structures impacted by an underactive pelvic floor (rectal) and over-active pelvic floor (vaginal and rectal) (note: PTA’s will not be expected to examine and evaluate internally)
• Determine when referral to another health care provider is warranted based on the history and physical examination of a patient with pelvic pain, urinary and defecatory disorders in specialized populations.
• Develop differential diagnoses and prognosis for recovery of neuro-musculoskeletal impairments and functional losses associated with pelvic pain, urinary and defecatory disorders in specialized populations.
• Physical Therapists will differentiate between different potential mechanisms of pelvic pain.
• Collaborate with clients to determine rehabilitation and health and wellness goals related to their dysfunction.
• Collaborate with clients to determine an evidenced-based plan of care, taking into consideration the client’s goals and the PT’s examination findings.
• Consider how medical management of pelvic pain, urinary and defectory disorders may impact rehabilitation interventions in specialized populations.
• Implementation and discussion of interventions such as PFM down-training and coordination, bowel training, sEMG and pressure biofeedback, electrical stimulation, visceral mobilization, and manual therapy for rehabilitation of pelvic floor and abdominal muscle/soft tissue impairments
• Utilize best risk management and infection control strategies in management of pelvic floor dysfunction
• Identify validated dysfunction-specific outcome measures for each of the dysfunctions covered in the course, where available
• Identify more global and general rehabilitation/prevention outcome measures for the dysfunctions covered when specific outcome measures are lacking
• Be familiar with best documentation practices related to management of pelvic floor dysfunction.