Pelvic Health Foundations

Session 6 - Rectal Course

This course is the final session in our comprehensive Pelvic Health Foundations series for Pelvic Health Physiotherapists, with a focus on rectal assessments and treatment techniques. We are delighted to welcome Charlotte Burton as a guest presenter for these sessions.

What will you learn?
This course covers Rectal Assessments visual and internal examinations.
Additionally, you will have access to detailed online learning covering:
- Perianal skin conditions,
- Detailed anatomy and physiology of the colon and rectum
- Common bowel conditions include IBS, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, colitis, intussusception, fissures, and hemorrhoids.
- Physio treatment for bowel dysfunction
- Physio treatment for perianal pain
- Rectal ballooning technique
- Case studies and quiz's to consolidate your learning
A Certificate of Completion will be provided for this session.

* All course dates are subject to change due to minimum enrolment requirements and unforeseen circumstances.

Detailed Course Schedule
Who is this for?
This course is for physiotherapists who have completed:
- The University of Melbourne's Postgraduate Certificate in Physiotherapy (Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy)
- Curtin University's Graduate Certificate in Clinical Physiotherapy (Continence and Women's Health Major)
- WHTA 5-day Introductory Course
- Pelvic Health Melbourne 4-day Pelvic Health Foundations Course
- Years of clinical experience in the field
If you require further clarification, please contact us to discuss on info@pelvichealth.melbourne
Course availability

Our courses are designed for small group learning and we offer a one-on-four tutor ratio for any of our intimate examination practicals.

It is a pre-requisite that you have attended and completed the prerequisite courses detailed in the "Who is this for?" section.

Please contact us to discuss if you have any questions at info@pelvichealth.melbourne
Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives

Learning Objective Rectal Course
- To gain a basic understand of the anatomy and physiology of the colon and rectum.
- To gain a basic understanding of the common condition of the colon and rectum.
- To understand the signs and symptoms patients might present with regarding colon and rectal concerns.
- To understand the relevance of the special questions in your subjective assessment that relate to bowel function.
- To understand how to teach: correct defecation technique, good bowel habits and how to introduce times sits.
- To understand how to interpret a bowel diary.
- To understand the role of physiotherapists in the management of bowel concerns and pain conditions linked with muscle or nerve dysfunction.
- To be able to complete a pelvic health subjective assessment on an uncomplicated mock patient presenting with a common bowel concern.
- To be able to interpret the answers of a subjective assessment into a clinic hypothesis for potential diagnoses.
- To be able to clinically reason what further objective findings may assist in your clinical hypothesis for diagnosis.
- To demonstrate competency in basic hand hygiene and gloving technique
- To demonstrate competency in hygiene procedures to set up for a Pelvic Health Rectal Assessment.
- To demonstrate competency in gaining adequate informed consent prior to performing and throughout an internal rectal examination
- To be able to complete a basic visual observation of the anoperineal area including muscle activation relaxation, Valsalva and reflex
- To be able to perform a basic internal anal examination to assess resting tone, power and if any degree of overactivity is present in the external anal sphincter (EAS), internal anal sphincter (IAS) and puborectalis (PR)
- To be able to set a relevant pelvic floor exercise program including EAS muscle function based on your objective assessment findings.
General Terms and Conditions
- In purchasing this course, you will receive one month of access to the online learning before the course and two weeks after completing the face-to-face component.
- Places are limited for each course and enrolments are allocated in the order in which they are received and course fees paid in full.
- This event is fully catered, with morning/afternoon tea and lunch provided daily.
- All course materials will be supplied, including a printed copy of the course manual.
- PHM is not responsible for any travel and/or accommodation arrangements or reimbursements. Please check with us on current enrolments before booking your accommodation and transport for a course.
- Pelvic Health Melbourne (PHM) reserves the right to make minor changes to the content, schedules and presenters as required, however, this course is intended to be provided as advertised.
Images taken during the event.
Each participant will be asked to consent to Pelvic Health Melbourne (PHM) taking audio or images (photos or video) in relation to the event. These images may be used for marketing, advertising and promotional purposes.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans can change and sometimes you may need to cancel or reschedule a course. To ensure fairness and transparency, we have established the following terms and conditions.
- Minimum numbers are required for this course to operate.
- In the event the course is cancelled by Pelvic Health Melbourne (PHM) due to insufficient numbers, participants will be notified as soon as possible and enrolment fees will be refunded in full.
- PHM will not be held responsible for any costs relating to travel and/or accommodation expenses or cancellation fees incurred.
- All cancellations are to be notified in writing.
Please Note: If an unforeseen genuine emergency requires a cancellation, please contact our office. Refunds will be determined on a case-by-case basis only.

The following cancellation fees will apply for all cancellations by a participant:
- After enrolment - A refund will be provided less an administration fee of $100.00.
- 30 Days before the course start date - 50% refund will be provided
- 14 days before the course start date - No refund will be provided.
- No-show fee for non-attendance - No refund will be provided.
If PHM can fill the cancellation with a new student, a refund will be provided, less an administration fee of $100.

Guest Presenter- Charlotte Burton
Charlotte is a highly experienced pelvic health physiotherapist, who brings a compassionate and patient-centred approach to her practice. She holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Monash University (2012) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation from the University of Melbourne (2019). Currently, Charlotte is progressing through the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s (APA) Evidence Portfolio Pathway to attain her title as a Titled Women’s, Men’s and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist. In addition to her clinical work, Charlotte is a presenter for the APA Level 1 and 2 Women’s Pelvic Health Courses, contributing to the education and development of fellow professionals in this specialised field.

Charlotte's career has spanned both public and private sectors across Australia and the UK. While in London, Charlotte was part of one of the largest pelvic health physiotherapy teams in the country. She has extensive clinical expertise in managing conditions such as urinary and bowel dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic and sexual pain.

Charlotte’s passion for pelvic health began early in her career and led her to volunteer in Ethiopia at the Catherine Hamlin Fistula Hospital, as well as in parts of Tanzania. Committed to lifelong learning, she has completed advanced training in areas including anorectal manometry, rectal balloon therapy, persistent pelvic pain, and bladder pain syndrome.

Charlotte is deeply dedicated to empowering her patients through education and evidence-based care, helping them build confidence and achieve their health goals. Outside of her professional life, Charlotte enjoys quality time with her family, exploring new places and discovering great food.