Physical Therapy for Pelvic Pain
Presented by Carina Siracusa
This course provides a fundamental introduction to the identification and management of reproductive and general pelvic pain for therapists who do not specialize in pelvic health. Many orthopedic patients present with symptoms that overlap with visceral abdominopelvic dysfunction, often leading to incomplete treatment if the underlying pelvic factors are ignored. Practitioners will learn to recognize common pelvic pain diagnoses, such as endometriosis and painful bladder syndrome, and understand how they interact with musculoskeletal systems. The course details essential external screening methods, abdominal assessments, and orthopedic pelvic evaluations to differentiate between visceral and somatic sources of pain. Through evidence-based manual therapy techniques, diaphragmatic breathing exercises, and external coccyx treatments, clinicians will develop the skills necessary to build a comprehensive plan of care. By integrating these strategies, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes for patients with chronic, complex pelvic conditions.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the common visceral causes of pelvic pain
- Describe the common medical diagnostic procedures performed to determine the cause of pelvic pain
- Identify common screening methods for physical therapists to identify pelvic pain
- Build an evaluation plan to differentially diagnose pelvic pain
- Build a general treatment plan for pelvic pain
Meet your instructor
Carina Siracusa
Dr. Carina Siracusa has been a practicing physical therapist since she graduated from Ohio University with her doctorate in physical therapy in 2005. She has practiced in the areas of pediatric, neurologic, oncologic, and pelvic floor physical therapy in her tenure as a physical therapist. She is an assistant professor at…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Common Pelvic Pain Diagnoses
Learners will explore the clinical presentation of common pelvic conditions including endometriosis, vaginismus, and irritable bowel syndrome. This chapter emphasizes the importance of understanding medical diagnostic procedures and symptom patterns to identify pelvic pain in a clinical setting.
2. Evaluation of Pelvic Pain
This chapter focuses on performing a thorough orthopedic assessment of the pelvis and abdomen using patient-centered interviewing and motivational interviewing techniques. Clinicians will learn to identify asymmetries in bony landmarks and evaluate abdominal mobility to differentiate visceral issues from musculoskeletal dysfunction.
3. General Treatment of Pelvic Pain
Clinicians will be introduced to non-invasive treatment modalities, including abdominal massage, diaphragmatic breathing, and pelvic floor relaxation exercises. The content demonstrates how to implement external manual therapy and modalities to manage pain and restore functional movement patterns.
More courses in this series
Bowel and Bladder Treatment for Infants
Carina Siracusa
Bowel and Bladder Treatment for Older Children
Carina Siracusa
Pelvic Floor Therapy in the Patient With CVA or MS
Carina Siracusa
Pelvic Floor Therapy for the Person With Spinal Cord Injury
Carina Siracusa
Physical Therapy for Pelvic Pain
Carina Siracusa
Physical Therapy for Pelvic Surgeries
Carina Siracusa
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