Pelvic Health Foundations

This Course covers Per 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
• Case studies and Quiz's to consolidated 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

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

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

We are running two dates for our Rectal course in 2024:

• 13th June 
• 12th September

This course will be conducted in person only at Pelvic Health Melbourne

• 3/216 Blackshaws Rd, Altona North, Melbourne

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 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.