Scott is editor of Physiospot so expect to see his work popping up frequently. Away from the keyboard he is AHP Workforce Development Lead at the Royal United Hospital in Bath as well as an Advanced Practice Physio in Frailty/Geriatrics with a special interest in osteoporosis and sarcopenia.
We have six brand new women’s health courses available now on Physioplus.
It is estimated that one in three women live with some sort of pelvic health concern that significantly impacts their physical function, psychosocial well being, and overall quality of life. These conditions are wide and varied and may be further divided into subcategories of gynaecology, urology, obstetrics, pain science, orthopaedics, and more. Because pelvic health physiotherapists live at the junction of these subcategories, they are integral to helping women restore their pelvic health and function.
By taking part in our exciting new Women’s Health Programme you will understand the current landscape of women’s health and be challenged to view pelvic health through a different lens. You will learn the anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor, as well as the most common conditions faced by women. A walk-through of physiotherapy assessment and treatment for pelvic health conditions will be provided. Lastly, there will be an important discussion about the impact of childbirth on the pelvic floor and factors to consider when working with women during the postpartum period and beyond.
The Course Instructor – Ibukun Afolabi
Ibukun is an experienced physiotherapist serving in the space where pelvic floor health, childbirth, and perinatal rehabilitation meet
Ibukun is an Integrative Physiotherapist with a passion for pelvic health and wellness. Her clinical expertise lies in perinatal rehabilitation and childbirth. She has been practising as a registered physiotherapist since 2007 and has worked in pelvic and perinatal health since 2012. Ibukun is a certified childbirth educator, certified postpartum doula, and she offers birth support for families as well. She is fascinated by the applications of pain neuroscience within the context of birth.
For nine years, Ibukun owned and directed a highly regarded niche physiotherapy practice located in London, Ontario, Canada. She and her team of pelvic health physiotherapists treated clients with a wide variety of women’s pelvic health conditions. Ibukun’s work now focuses on serving the perinatal population, coaching and consulting, teaching and training health and birth professionals, and delivering pelvic health programming both locally and internationally.
The Courses
Overview and Introduction to Women’s Pelvic Health
Women may seek care from pelvic health physiotherapists for many different conditions, ranging from incontinence to pelvic floor prolapse, polycystic ovarian syndrome, sexual health concerns, pregnancy- and menopause-related symptoms and many more. These conditions can significantly affect all aspects of a woman’s life, including her confidence, sense of self, mental health, participation in her job or social activities, sexual health and relationships. Women increasingly recognise that they should not stay silent about these conditions or let them affect their quality of life, so demand for pelvic health services is increasing. It is, therefore, important that physiotherapists have an understanding of women’s pelvic health physiotherapy.
Overview of Female Pelvic Floor Muscle Anatomy and Physiology
The pelvic floor is part of a complex system that works synergistically with a range of other structures in the body, such as the ankle / foot complex, the thorax and respiratory complex, and the central nervous system. The term pelvic floor refers to the area at the bottom of the pelvis, and all of its contents and associated structures. Because the body is a dynamic, interrelated, biotensegral system, it is important that pelvic health physiotherapists understand not only the anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor, but also its relationship to other systems.
Common Women’s Pelvic Health Conditions
A significant number of women experience pelvic health dysfunction during their lifetime. Approximately one in three women develop incontinence, and at least 50 percent of women aged over 50 have some degree of pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic health conditions may be caused by a single precipitating event, such as childbirth, or relate to life changes, such as peri-menopause. This course introduces conditions commonly treated by pelvic health physiotherapists, including urinary and faecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and persistent pelvic pain.
Overview of Physiotherapy Assessment and Treatment of the Pelvic Floor
Many female clients who require pelvic health physiotherapy may present with trauma, shame, embarrassment or other emotions associated with their condition. Thus, it is necessary to establish an environment which ensures your clients feel relaxed and safe during a pelvic health consultation. The clinic setting, interviewing techniques and your approach to evaluation and management will all have an impact on your client. This course provides an overview of techniques that can enhance your evaluation of female pelvic health clients before introducing treatments that can be beneficial for this client group. Please note that further training is required through a reputable pelvic health education company before attempting the techniques discussed in this course.
Childbirth and the Pelvic Floor
Pelvic floor dysfunction after childbirth has been identified as a major public health issue. Conditions such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, levator ani muscle avulsions and myofascial pain can all have a significant impact on a mother’s quality of life. However, pelvic health physiotherapist, Ibukun Afolabi, has identified five key areas that, if addressed, can enhance pelvic health during and after childbirth.
Postpartum Pelvic Floor Considerations
The effects of birth are usually felt most during the first 12 weeks postpartum – the time also known as the fourth trimester. Women may experience a range of sensations, such as leaking, pelvic heaviness, low back, hip or pelvic pain and a general sense they are living in an unknown body. While these sensations usually resolve spontaneously during the fourth trimester, some women may continue to experience the effects of childbirth for longer. Because the pelvic health foundations established during this period can have a long-term impact on pelvic health, it is beneficial for women to be able to access pelvic health physiotherapy during the postpartum period.