The Men’s Pelvic Health & Rehabilitation course introduces valuable concepts in pelvic health including urinary and prostate function, chronic pelvic pain, and sexual health. For therapists who have taken Pelvic Floor Function, Dysfunction, and Treatment Level 2A, the Men’s Pelvic Health Course expands on the men’s pelvic health topics introduced in PF2A. This continuing education course is also created at an introductory level, covering topics such as internal rectal pelvic muscle examination, so that a therapist who has not taken prior pelvic floor muscle function coursework can attend.

Urinary dysfunction such as post-prostatectomy incontinence, benign prostatic hypertrophy, urinary retention, and post-micturition dribble are discussed in this class. Because urinary incontinence is a potential consequence following prostate surgery, risk factors, pre-surgical rehabilitation, and post-surgical intervention strategies following prostatectomy are instructed. The medical aspects of prostate cancer testing are also clearly described, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, Gleason scores, and any recent updates in recommended medical screening.

Although most men diagnosed with prostatitis do not have a true infection, prostatitis remains a common diagnosis within chronic pelvic pain. The Men’s Pelvic Health course explains typical presentations of prostatitis-like pain, evaluation techniques, and evidence-informed intervention techniques. Other pelvic diagnoses are covered, such as Peyronie's Disease, testicular and scrotal pain, penile pain, and pelvic floor muscle-related conditions. Men who experience pelvic muscle dysfunction including pain or weakness are at risk for sexual dysfunction. Participants will be able to describe the relationships between pelvic muscle function and men’s sexual health, including the evidence that demonstrates pelvic muscle rehabilitation's positive impact on erectile function. This continuing education course includes lectures and labs, including external and internal muscle mapping and neuro-myofascial treatment techniques.

Special Considerations:
As this continuing education course includes extensive lab work, all attendees should come prepared to participate as both clinician and patient unless medically contraindicated (if unsure please check with your physician prior to attending the course). Internal rectal pelvic floor muscle examinations will be taught in labs. As this is a male course, please be aware that the instructors encourage male attendees.

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:
This course is for therapists with experience in treating pelvic floor dysfunction. This course is also appropriate for the practitioner who has not had any training in pelvic floor dysfunction and who is interested in treating male patients.

Recommended Readings
1. Gray's Anatomy for Students - Available at a 25% Discount for Herman & Wallace registrants with promo code 70484. Registrants who already own a copy of this or a corresponding textbook are not required to purchase an additional one.
2. Pelvic Dysfunction in Men: Diagnosis and Treatment of Male Incontinence and Erectile Dysfunction by Grace Dorey, 2006.
3. Headache in the Pelvis, 4th Edition by David Wise and Rodney Anderson.
4. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Pages on: Prostate Problems and Erectile Dysfunction