Essential Topics to Include in a Pelvic Floor Workshop for Physiotherapists

Abstract

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) is prevalent among women and can greatly impact quality of life. Pelvic floor physiotherapy (PFPT) has been shown to be the most effective treatment method for PFD, however, pelvic floor education is highly variable across physiotherapy (PT) programs. This study aims to develop and assess the effectiveness of a PFPT workshop for community PTs (CPT) with no formal training in pelvic floor health, which includes content deemed essential by PT experts (PTE) in the field. PTEs were asked to rank a variety of anatomical and PFPT topics. Those considered “essential” by the majority were included in the workshop. An online workshop was developed for CPTs based on these rankings, which included four asynchronous anatomy modules and one synchronous case-based session with two PTEs. The CPTs will be assessed for their knowledge of the essential topics prior to and following the workshop. Essential anatomy topics included not only the pelvic organs but also other musculature related to pelvic floor function, including those in the gluteal region, deep back muscles, and the diaphragm. Essential PFPT topics include assessment of pelvic floor muscle function and pain, diagnosing PFD based on clinical presentation, and treatment options for PFD such as pelvic floor muscle training and relaxation training. A PFPT workshop should not be limited to the anatomy of the pelvic floor and PFPT and should include the related anatomy that may be impacted in PFD. It is expected that following the workshop, CPTs will have a better understanding of PFD and its clinical presentations as it does not always clearly present in clients as pelvic floor issues.