Care of the Postpartum Patient
Attention: We have updated this course to better reflect the latest evidence and treatment techniques. We felt a name change was appropriate (Updated Course Page - Postpartum Rehabilitation), and we have modified our 2020 events for this course to reflect this. Please Contact us with Questions.
| Price: $495 (Early Registrant Price $475) Experience Level: Beginner Contact Hours: 15 |
The postpartum woman may be one of the most overlooked clients in health care. Knowing the specific rehabilitation needs to help with common problems and to prevent future problems is the goal of this 2-day beginner level course. For the orthopedic-based practitioner, this course will solidify awareness of common orthopedic needs for the postpartum client. For the non-orthopedic practitioner, this course will provide a foundation for working with the client experiencing common postpartum-related musculoskeletal conditions. The course will open with brief case scenarios that highlight the difference between examination/evaluation in the postpartum vs. non-postpartum population. Labor and birth, birth complication and injuries, postpartum stages and concerns, and Cesarean birth all set the stage for the postpartum client and will be reviewed. Understanding typical hormonal and systemic recovery and return to “normal” during postpartum will be provided, including early postpartum changes in the endocrine, metabolic, cardiovascular, pulmonary, immune, neurologic/sensory, integumentary, gastrointestinal, urinary/renal, reproductive, and musculoskeletal systems.
This course will cover examination considerations and modifications specific to postpartum, as well as specific questions to ask during history taking and methods for identifying red flags in postpartum. More comfortable positions during the examination/treatment and common posture/gait/balance changes during postpartum are covered. The participant at this course will understand necessary biomechanics training for daily activities, child care, and breastfeeding. As an expansion from the pregnancy rehabilitation course, participants will be taken through progression in diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) assessment and rehabilitation, including DRA exercises in lecture and lab. Additionally, addressing abdominal wall lengthening and Cesarean scars will be discussed and practiced in lab.
Overview of pelvic floor dysfunction in the postpartum after vaginal birth with external examination techniques will be expanded from the techniques taught during the pregnancy course. Basic bladder and bowel instructions/education for the postpartum client will be provided, along with guidance on when to refer to a pelvic physical therapist. As an advancement from the pregnancy rehabilitation course, progression in assessment and cueing of pelvic floor, transverse abdominis, and multifidus (deep core) muscle activity will be covered in lecture and lab. Lecture and lab will also address assessing and treating abdominal wall trigger points. Providing instruction and treatment in functional use of abdominal muscles with motor control and functional activities and progression of DRA/abdominal wall rehabilitation exercises will be incorporated into lecture and lab activities.
Basic orthopedic focus on common thoracic and cervical/head complaints in the postpartum will be explored during lecture and lab. This course will also briefly review breathing techniques covered during the pregnancy course. Additionally, discussion and lab practice of lumbar and pelvic girdle examination and treatment techniques in the postpartum will expand on topics covered during the pregnancy rehabilitation course. Review and lab practice will be provided for basic examination and treatment of lower and upper extremity birth and labor injuries.
Psychosocial considerations during postpartum will be explored: the “typical” postpartum patient; postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis; postpartum recovery after bedrest; collision of reality and expectations; and maternity leave and return to work decisions. Postpartum exercise, fitness, and wellness will ponder the topics of body image and return to fitness and starting exercise in the postpartum. The course concludes with discussion of marketing and billing needs for providing care for the postpartum population.
Audience:
This continuing education seminar is targeted to physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, registered nurses, nurse midwives, and other rehabilitation professionals. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation. Physical therapy continuing education courses should not be taken by individuals who are not licensed or otherwise regulated, except, as they are involved in a specific plan of care.
Prerequisites: None
Are you interested in expanding your practice to treat prenatal patients? Herman & Wallace has put together a Pregnancy and Your Pelvic Floor marketing presentation to help you underscore the importance of prenatal physical therapy.
References
Gutke, A., Ostgaard, H. C., & Oberg, B. (2006) Pelvic girdle pain and lumbar pain in pregnancy: a cohort study of the consequences in terms of health and functioning. Spine, 31(5), E149-E155.
Ostgaard, H. C., Anderson, G. B. J., & Karlson, K. (1991). Prevalence of back pain in pregnancy: A review. Spine, 16(5), 549-552.
Upon completion of this continuing education seminar, participants will be able to:
1. Define common terminology of the labor and delivery and the postpartum period.
2. Describe the physiologic changes in the postpartum period that assist a woman's body in returning to pre-pregnancy state.
3. List the endocrine system changes, including the risk for thyroid dysfunction, that influence the female patient during the postpartum period.
4. Define the stages of labor, common complications of labor and delivery, and the postpartum red flags.
5. Describe common clinical presentations for perineal trauma and pelvic floor dysfunction.
6. List indications and potential complications of c-section deliveries, as well as principles of c-section recovery.
7. List 2 common conditions and recommended treatment for the spine and trunk, abdomen, pelvic floor, pelvic girdle, upper and lower extremities during the postpartum period.
8. Instruct the postpartum patient in safe return to fitness activities.
9. Describe the challenges that new mothers face and instruct in practical strategies for body mechanics, sleep hygiene, and time management for postpartum recovery.
10. Complete medical screening for conditions in postpartum that require referral.
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We always want to hear from those interested in hosting our courses. We work with healthcare organizations of all types, sizes, and locations. Please, Contact us about Hosting Care of the Postpartum Patient or any other course!
As an ortho/sports med PT, this course has made me feel so much more confident treating the postpartum patient. Darla was a fabulous instructor who both knows her material and is receptive to new ideas. I would 100% recommend this course!
- Annie Koslow, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS - Arlington, VA
Darla is a great lecturer – keeping everyone engaged and applicable to our own bodies (pregnant vs non pregnant). Hermann and Wallace bring out the passionate and creative physical therapists.
- Paulina Chanel Codera, PT, DPT - Reston, VA
I left with a list of clinical pearls and To Do’s I can use Monday morning!
- Robyn Lowry, PT, MSPT - Midlothian, VA
Darla was very knowledgeable & engaging. Great discussions.
- April Kevern, PT, DPT - Arden, NC
Course was excellent and appreciate all the collaboration with others health professional. Would be helpful to have schedule listed on front of packet & not behind product ads – just small logistical thing.
- Rachel Sandhu - Washington DC, DC
Overall, this was an excellent course to strengthen my understanding of evaluation and treatment of the postpartum client. Sara and the lab instructors are great resources and provided tons of great clinical tips! Really loved fitness lab we did at the end of Sunday.
- Katherine Moise, PT, DPT - Atlanta, GA
It was a super helpful, perfect 1st Pelvic Floor course.
- Minori Osako, PT, DPT - Beaverton, OR
I really enjoyed this course! I feel much more confident in my ability to not only assess & treat myself during this pregnancy & postpartum, but also to treat my patient! I look forward to using everything I learned!
- Ashley Jones, PT, DPT - Youngsville, LA
Thank you so much for being so inclusive! As a chiro I was a little nervous to attend but everyone was fantastic! I loved the opportunity to earn more that Pelvic Floor PTs do & how we can work together for the optimal health of the patient.
- Rebekah Bruner D.C. - Baton Rogue, LA
I really enjoyed postpartum eval demonstration and exercise examples, Talking about patient cases was really helpful too.
- Ivy Colbert, PT, DPT - San Diego, CA
I like the post tests to check/reinforce knowledge. Really enjoy the variety of background/experiences of participant and instructor.
- Lisa Momsen - Milwaukee, WI
This course provides great assessment and treatment ideas for the postpartum patient and those patients that are not comfortable with internal treatment options. The medical/anatomy knowledge provided has greatly increased my comfort with treating all varieties and severities of postpartum patients.
- Sara Ljubic - Racine, WI
Anyone taking this course would gain confidence in treating the postpartum patient and immediately be able to use what they have learned upon completion.
- Linda LaBorde - Milwaukee, WI
Jessica Reale was very knowledgeable and approachable w/ questions, lots of examples of personal/professional experience to draw from highly recommend!
- Sara Kotschi, DPT - Milwaukee, WI
The instructor was very interactive and knowledgeable. Having a separate space for lab that was an everyday clinic was very helpful in space and being in a typical clinical sitting. Overall, great content, good visuals, and lab was not rushed/ went along well with lecture content.
- Gracie Baker, PT, DPT - Johnson City, TN
Was a good course. I felt the first day was more beneficial and the 2nd day was more review (to a pelvic floor therapist) Rachael’s speaking demeanor and knowledge was great. She was animated and funny.
- Megan Edgehouse PT - Westlake, OH
Great course! Love the up to date research.
- Christina Ann Sadowski, PT, DPT - Lakewood, OH
This course gave me more insight about what happens to a woman pre/post party. I have a newfound appreciation for the post partum pt and will never overlook them and their needs.
- Damaris Ababio
Darla was fun and engaging to listen to. All of the information will help me to better treat postpartum moms!
- Victoria Popp, DPT
I feel so much better equipped to work in post partum patients. Sara is such a insightful and knowledgeable instructor. You won’t be disappointed.
- Keri wagner PT DPT - Fredericksburg, VA
Instructor was fantastic, more of an entry level course, would have liked more advanced material, But overall a good course!
- Lydia Holland, DPT - Ozark, MO
WonderFul Course!
- Elizabeth Mezzacappa, DPT - Wichita Falls, TX
I feel so much better equipped to work with post partum patients. Sara is such an insightful and knowledgeable instructor. You won't be disappointed.
This was my first Herman and Wallace course and I have learned so much in the past two days. I am new to most of the material and I feel that I am learning with a greater understanding and confidence to treat patients when I return to the clinic.
- Jessica Lui, DPT - San Jose, CA
Another extremely informative and interesting class offered by Herman and Wallace and taught by Jenni Gabelsberg! Jenni’s knowledge and delivery of information is phenomenal! I look forward to taking more Herman and Wallace courses taught by Jenni.
- Tierney Loveland-Grace, PT - Stockton, CA
So great having a course that outlines how to comprehensively manage the postpartum patient.
- Karen Hodges, Doctor of Physical Therapy - Alameda, CA
This course exceeded my expectations. This was my first pelvic floor course and after taking this class, I now feel comfortable tying pelvic floor into treatment of patients pre- and postpartum. Holly was a fantastic teacher.
- Sarah Paxson, PT - Bellingham, WA
Excellent course which provided practical information backed up by strong research. Thank you.
- Marlo Tadashore, PT - Ontario, Canada
When I came back from the first day of class my family asked how the course went and they were very surprised to hear me say "Great! I had a really fun time." Not only did I learn a ton about a subject I thought I already knew about but I came away with new treatment techniques I will use for life. Also, I've been to other courses where they really hold back on going outside the realm of the course because they want you to take the next course in the series but Holly did not hold back. She did not treat this as if it were secret information so she could make another dollar but rather couldn't wait to share all she knew and learn from her students as well. Amazing experience!
- Jessica Jenkins, PT, DPT, CLT - Cleveland Heights, OH
Holly is the best - I hope I retain as much as possible. She is a wealth of knowledge.
- Pamela Urquhart, PT - Bedford, OH
It was a wonderful course. Learned a great deal and very applicable in all aspects of clinical practice.
- Kelly Holden, PT - Wadsworth, OH
Michelle is extremely knowlegable about the subject presented. She is professional, but she also made the course fun.
- Jana Osias, PTA - Salt Lake City, UT
The course was great. What I found very helpful was how she presented the material in a very practical, straightforward way that it can be easily applied to daily practice. This was accomplished both in approach to assessing the basics in patients and then how to actually treat the patients. Too many courses today focus too much attention on the exceptions, diagnosing specific "disorders" rather than treating what you see, and tools to evaluate but little if any tools to actually treat.
- Jeanne Fangman, PT - Naperville, IL
I really enjoyed the course! Holly was very informative and has a great presentation style. She kept my interest the whole time and I have already been able to apply techniques I learned that weekend. I look forward to more courses offered by Herman & Wallace!
-Kathleen Goldberg - Memphis, TN