Speaker: Patricia J Rodriguez, PT, DPT, WCS
Contact Hours: 14.5 contact hours (MN BPT Cat. 1)

About This Course

This course is designed for the non-Women’s Health specialist who would like to have a better understanding of  normal pelvic floor (PF) anatomy/dysfunction and pelvic pain differential diagnoses. There will be a balance of didactics, case studies, and lab- external only. Upon returning to the clinic following this course, a  therapist will be equipped to ask more specific questions regarding pelvic health in the interview, assess movement patterns which affect pelvic stability, treat MSK dysfunction surrounding the lumbosacral, hip and pelvic region. This course is designed to be an introductory course only, assisting you in incorporating already known treatment principles into the care of the patient with PF dysfunction.

Course Objectives

• Distinguish specific Pelvic Floor (PF) anatomical structures  how they contribute to PF dysfunction 
• Demonstrate an understanding of differential dx relating to PF issues 
• Understand the basic mechanism of micturition and defecation 
• Develope a heightened awareness of the sensitivity of issues/dysfunction of  the PF and how pain, fear, and past experiences are intertwined with the  ability of a patient to heal
• Integrate basic musculoskeletal and neuro rehab principles  into developing a treatment plan 
• Assess a patient with PF needs, and have an understanding when this type of patient requires referral to a  PF specialist

Course Schedule

Day 1
8:00am-8:30am        Registration
8:30am-9:00am        Introduction to PF Rehab/ defined
9:00am-10:00am     Anatomy, female
10:00am–10:15am  Anatomy, male
10:15am-10:30am   BREAK
10:45am-12:00pm   Voiding Mechanism, Defecation, Breathing Mechanism

12:00pm-1:00pm     Lunch (on your own)

1:00pm–2:30pm      Differential Dx
                                    Incontinence

types – bladder, bowel
             Abdominal pain
visceral – bowel disorders
endometriosis
adhesions
surgical nerve entrapments

2:30pm-2:45pm      BREAK
2:45pm-5:00pm      Differential Dx ‘cont

                                   Low back pain

                                   Hip pain

                                   Pelvic pain

vestibulitis
vulvodynia
adhesions
pudendal nerve entrapment

Day 2
8:00am-8:15am      Questions
8:15am-10:00am    Lab
10:00am-10:15am  BREAK
10:15 -12:00            Lab

12:00pm-1:00pm    Lunch (on your own)

1:00pm-3:00pm      Case studies
3:00pm-3:15pm      BREAK
3:15pm-5:00pm      Case Studies/Wrap up   

Speaker Biography

Patricia (Tish) Rodriguez has been treating patients with PF dysfunction for nearly 30 years. She is currently working at Brooke Army Medical Center in the Women's Health Clinic as the pelvic floor clinical specialist. She mentors both DPT interns and Ob-gyn residents She had been instrumental in establishing  multidisciplinary pelvic pain meetings, providing patient education seminars and community education  to include: Annual Women’s Health Week seminars, regular community presentations, guest lecturing at the Southern Medical Association.
Dr. Rodriguez is currently adjunct faculty in the  Baylor University, Doctorate of Physical Therapy program, covering the women's health portion of the curriculum. 

Her past work experiences have included positions as  clinical faculty, clinic director and  owner of a private practice.  She is a member of the APTA, APTA Section on Women’s Health and member of the International Pelvic Pain Society. 
When not caring for patients, Tish and her husband enjoy their family of 5 children, 4 grandchildren, 5 chickens and 2 dogs.