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Orthopedics and Pelvic Health: Bridging the Gap with an External Approach

     

It's a common misconception among clinicians that women's and men's pelvic issues always require internal examinations and treatment. In most cases, orthopedic physical therapists typically do not perform internal pelvic techniques, nor seek such training.

Many patients present with issues assigned to both "specialties," causing them to choose management of either one or the other. As a result, this construct creates arbitrary barriers in the body and in practice that do not yield optimal results for pelvic and orthopedic patients. Such artificial compartmentalization may compromise the full and sustainable recovery of both populations.

Our bipedal nature forges a strong biomechanical alliance between the lumbopelvic segments and lower extremities. A key component of this regional interdependence is the myofascial network. This network promotes a relationship between the organs, nerves, lymphatic/circulatory vessels, skeletal, integumentary, respiratory, and myofascial structures of the lumbopelvic segments and lower limbs. This seamless network may also explain symptoms and central/peripheral sensitization.

In this course, participants will explore evidence-based methods for approaching the body globally and externally to effectively address pelvic and orthopedic connective tissue dysfunctions using Fascial Manipulation-Stecco®, exercise, dry needling, patient education, cupping, and appreciating the need for further learning and referral when appropriate.

Learning Objectives:

  • Summarize the connective tissue relationship between the lumbopelvic segments and the lower limbs, and how dysfunctions of the myofascial network can foster internal organ dysfunction, pelvic, and orthopedic problems.
  • Obtain a concise past medical history to guide treatment with appropriate questioning that reflects appreciation of the relationship between the trunk, lower limbs, and internal organs.
  • Execute simple and relevant movement tests and recognize when dysfunction exists.
  • Identify abnormalities with palpation of the connective tissue layers.
  • Select and execute as able evidence-based methods for approaching the body globally and externally to effectively treat pelvic and orthopedic connective tissue dysfunctions using Fascial Manipulation-Stecco®, exercise, patient education, dry needling, cupping, and other interventions.
  • Recognize clinical limitations and pursue further training to address these, and/or refer when appropriate.
 

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