This two-day experiential continuing education course, developed by Dustienne Miller CYT, PT, MS, WCS offers participants an evidence-based perspective on the value of yoga for patients with chronic pelvic pain. This course will focus on two of the eight limbs of Patanjali’s eight-fold path: pranayama (breathing) and asana (postures) and how they can be applied for patients who have hip, back and pelvic pain. A brief history of yoga and yoga principles will be introduced, and research relating to the neuroscience of yoga and mindfulness will be presented. The course will be held via Zoom meeting, which is free to download, and will combine pre recorded lectures with live, interactive course time that takes place via online meeting. Participants will receive pre recorded lectures in order to maximize the interactive, in-person time spent on Zoom.

A variety of pelvic conditions will be discussed including interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome, vulvar pain, coccydynia, hip pain, and pudendal neuralgia. The course will describe the role of yoga within the medical model, discuss contraindicated postures, and in how to incorporate yoga home programs as therapeutic exercise and neuromuscular re-education both between visits and after discharge. Learning will be gained through lecture, demonstration, and in small group practice. Participants will be able to demonstrate newly acquired knowledge on the second day of the course by creating home programs, allowing the clinician to integrate yoga home programs immediately upon returning to work. In addition to learning how to create yoga interventions for patients who have pelvic pain, the therapist will learn how to evaluate community resources for yoga and make appropriate referrals for ongoing yoga classes.

Prerequisites
While no prior experience with teaching yoga is required, all participants must possess a working knowledge of pelvic pain conditions and foundational rehabilitation principles. Current evidence from fields of pain research, neurophysiology, and complementary and alternative medicine will be applied throughout this course. Patient education and home program handouts are supplied within the course manual and these documents will prepare the participant to incorporate specific yoga techniques into current pelvic rehabilitation practice.

Pre-Course Learning Requirements
10-14 days before the course, participants will receive an invite to join Teachable, an online learning platform. In Teachable, registrants will find video lectures, other pre-course learning materials, course manual files, mandatory liability waiver, and URLs for any Zoom meetings. We require registrants to complete teachable components in sequential order. Videos lectures are required and must be completed in-full before proceeding to the next Teachable section. At the conclusion of the course, registrants can access their post-test and course evaluation form to provide our curriculum team feedback on their experience, as well as download their certificate of completion - all via Teachable.

Audience
This course is intended for the pelvic rehab practitioner who wants to learn yoga techniques and tools to integrate into their practice, and is best suited to the practitioner who is currently evaluating and treating pelvic health. Foundational knowledge of the pelvic floor and pelvic girdle is recommended prior to attending this course.

Required Supplies
-- Comfortable surface to lay on (mat, carpet, etc)
-- A few pillows
-- Blanket or scarf
-- Light resistance band
-- Yoga block
-- Small ball or foot roller