Physical Therapy for Pelvic Surgeries
Presented by Carina Siracusa
Pelvic surgical procedures, ranging from hysterectomies to endometriosis excisions, often result in significant musculoskeletal trauma and functional impairments that require specialized rehabilitative care. This course provides healthcare providers with a comprehensive framework for managing patients in the post-surgical phase, addressing the inherent gap in evidence-based rehabilitation protocols for this population. Learners will explore common surgical techniques, including laparoscopic and open abdominal procedures, and analyze their specific impacts on core stability and pelvic floor function. The curriculum guides practitioners through a detailed evaluation process involving scar assessment, postural analysis, and external pelvic floor examination. Finally, the course outlines a multi-modal treatment approach that integrates behavioral modifications, manual therapy for scar management, and progressive exercise. By bridging the gap between surgical intervention and functional recovery, therapists can improve patients' quality of life and long-term surgical outcomes. This course is appropriate for orthopedic practitioners and those who are starting their journey into pelvic health care.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the typical surgical procedures for pelvic pain and their impact on the musculoskeletal system
- Choose the appropriate functional outcome measure for a patient post-surgically
- Execute a therapy evaluation for pelvic pain post-surgically
- Execute a therapy treatment plan for post-surgical pelvic pain
- Identify the interdisciplinary treatment in post-surgical pain management
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 Surgical Procedures
This chapter examines various pelvic surgeries, including hysterectomies, prolapse repairs, and laparoscopic excisions, to understand their impact on the musculoskeletal system. Providers will learn to identify surgical restrictions and potential complications, such as urinary incontinence or vaginal cuff dehiscence, to guide early intervention safely.
2. Evaluation of the Post-Surgical Patient
Effective rehabilitation begins with a thorough clinical assessment that considers both the physical and emotional implications of surgical scars and postural changes. This section details the execution of a therapy evaluation, focusing on abdominal sensation, joint range of motion, and external pelvic floor integrity.
3. Treatment of Post-Pelvic Surgery
This chapter presents a multimodal treatment plan encompassing scar massage, postural re-education, and core strengthening to restore the patient’s function. Participants will explore behavioral strategies and the application of modalities to manage postoperative pain and improve bowel and bladder scheduling.
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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