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Chronic Constipation - Interventions Beyond Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia!

Chronic Constipation - Interventions Beyond Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia!

Chronic Constipation - Interventions Beyond Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia!

CA$35.00
This course includes
Lifetime access after purchase
Certificate of completion
This course was recorded in October 2023

Overview

This presentation is designed specifically for pelvic health professionals looking to expand their understanding of and intervention strategies for chronic constipation beyond traditional pelvic floor dyssynergia. Utilizing evidence-based research and the latest clinical guidelines, the presentation will examine the multifactorial nature of chronic constipation, including non-pelvic interventions that can complement existing treatments.

 One key aspect of the course will be the practical application of the balloon catheter, demonstrating its effective use for both assessment and therapeutic interventions. Balloon catheters are often underutilized in clinical settings, yet they offer a powerful enhancement to the physical therapy treatment of chronic constipation. By inserting a balloon catheter into the rectum, you provide a crucial sensory stimulus that mimics the sensations prompting a bowel movement. This form of pelvic floor dysfunction biofeedback therapy is complemented by targeted pelvic floor muscle training and is designed to optimize both the coordination and propulsion of the balloon.

Chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome present as intricate, multifaceted conditions that require sophisticated management strategies. In this presentation, Dr. Susan Clinton delves into a variety of physiotherapy assessment and treatment strategies, including manual assessments, specialized exercises, neuromuscular retraining, and neural tension techniques. Additionally, we will explore a range of non-physical treatment methods, such as mindfulness training and breathing exercises, to provide a comprehensive approach to managing these complex conditions.


Learning Objectives

In this online course, you will learn to:

  1. Describe the complexity of chronic constipation including sensory changes of urge response, abdomino-phrenic dyssynergia, and slow motility of the system

  2. Understand the application of the balloon catheter to help with stool signalling sensory integration and as a tool to optimize performance of defecation.

  3. Integrate novel and evidence based interventions that will optimize traditional pelvic health approaches to care.

 

Audience

This course is designed for pelvic health physical otherapists who manage patients with chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. It's also ideal for practitioners treating pelvic floor dyssynergia who want to enhance their clinical toolkit by incorporating pelvic floor dysfunction biofeedback therapy using balloon catheters.

The instructors
Pelvic Health Solutions

Pelvic Health Solutions (PHS) is an evidence-based teaching company that aims to educate and empower physiotherapists, healthcare professionals, and everyday people about pelvic health.

PHS was founded in 2010 out of the need to develop pelvic health resources in Ontario at a time when it was an under-serviced health concern. PHS provides continuing education courses, mentoring, and clinical resources for a variety of practitioners with the goal of equipping them to deliver evidence-based, biopsychosocial assessment and treatment of pelvic health problems in our province and abroad.

Our company also exists as a way to connect people experiencing pelvic health concerns to pelvic health physiotherapists in their area. PHS has ultimately blossomed into a community of curious people who are committed to providing hope and healing to those who suffer from pelvic health issues.


Susan Clinton
PT, DScPT, OCS, WCS, COMT, FAAOMPT WHC NBC-HWC

Dr. Clinton is an award-winning physical therapist in professional achievement and the owner of LTI Physio in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Susan is board certified in orthopedic and women’s health physical therapy, a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Therapy, and a board certified health and wellness coach.

She is an international instructor/mentor of post-professional education in women’s health (including GI issues in women), orthopedic manual therapy, health/wellness coaching for the health care practitioner and business psychology. She is on faculty at Andrews University in the Doctor of Science in PT program, a Master Coach for the Integrative Women’s Health Institute, a reviewer for the Journal of Womens Health Physical Therapy and a clinical faculty instructor for the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy and ASPIRE. She is also an active author in research and blog posts, and is an active professional/clinical mentor. Susan is the co-founder and board member for the foundation: Global Women’s Health Initiative. She is also the co-host of the 5 five-star podcast, “Tough to Treat,” the guide to treating complex patients, and “The Genius Project,” reframing the treatment of persistent musculoskeletal pain.

Susan enjoys walking / hiking, country line dance and ballroom, and is an avid supporter of music, the arts, and international objectives for women’s health.

Material included in this course
  • Welcome and Resources
  • Welcome!
  • Slides (2 per page)
  • Slides (6 per page)
  • References
  • Chronic Constipation - Interventions beyond Pelvic Floor Dyssynergia!
  • Gastrointestinal Health and the Pelvic Floor
  • Defining Chronic Constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Abdomino-Phrenic Muscle Mechanics
  • Dyssynergia Manual Assessment and Balloon Catheter
  • Exercise Training for Dyssynergia
  • Neural Tension
  • Stress and the Inflammatory Response
  • Questions
  • Quiz
  • What's Next?
  • Feedback
FAQs

Pelvic floor dyssynergia is a condition where the muscles of the pelvic floor don’t coordinate together properly. When you try to have a bowel movement, these muscles may tighten up instead of relaxing, making it difficult to pass stool, or the muscles may not sufficiently generate enough intra-abdominal pressure for the propulsion of stool. 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a condition that causes symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation. It is multidimensional and can be caused by chronic stress, psychosocial factors, adverse life events, inflammation, GI infections, bacterial flora, or food.

Chronic Constipation: This is a condition where a person has infrequent bowel movements or trouble passing stool, often accompanied by discomfort. This means they are straining during defecation, feel incomplete evacuations with defecation, or use manual maneuvers to facilitate defecation. 

A balloon catheter is a device that can be used by physiotherapists to provide an inter-rectal sensory response that mimics a bowel movement. It is a very useful treatment strategy that teaches patients how to coordinate the muscles of their core and pelvic floor to propulse a bowel movement. 

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