Functions and Dysfunctions of the Pelvic Girdle and Pelvic Floor

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Video Runtime: 84 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 32 Minutes

This course will explore the anatomical relevance of the pelvic girdle and pelvic floor structures and functions of common movement dysfunctions seen in rehabilitation. The pelvic girdle articulates with the spine and lower extremities and houses the pelvic floor region, making its anatomy relevant to all rehabilitation practitioners. An overview of dysfunctions of the sacroiliac joint, pubic symphysis, and coccyx will be explored, as well as bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunctions created by pelvic floor dysfunctions.

Meet your instructor

Heather Rader

Dr. Heather Rader is the owner of Rader Pelvic Physical Therapy, a practice devoted to the treatment of pregnancy-related pain and dysfunction, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and complex pelvic pain in all genders. A physical therapist since 1994, she graduated from the University of Miami with a master’s degree in…

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Chapters & learning objectives

1. Functions of the Pelvic Girdle and Pelvic Floor

This chapter will describe the primary functions of the pelvic girdle and pelvic floor. An overview of the functions of the pelvic girdle and its primary articulations—the sacroiliac joints, the pubic symphysis, and the coccyx—will be presented. A summary of the functions of the pelvic floor and its relationship to bladder, bowel, and sexual functions will be described.

2. Functional Anatomy of the Pelvic Girdle

This chapter will examine the bony, ligamentous, muscular, and nerve elements of the pelvic girdle. A focused review of the primary articulations of the pelvis—the sacroiliac joints, the pubic symphysis, and the coccyx—will be presented. Instruction will include their bony, ligamentous, muscular, and neural elements.

3. Functional Anatomy of the Pelvic Floor

This chapter will explore the myofascial anatomy of the pelvic floor region. The anatomical boundaries of the pelvic floor region will be defined. An in-depth review of the three muscular layers and their contents will be studied.

4. Dysfunctions of the Pelvic Girdle

This chapter will help the participant recognize the interdependence between pelvic floor structure and the primary joints of the pelvis. An overview of how sacroiliac joint, pubic symphysis, and coccyx dysfunctions impact patient movement will be presented. Pelvic girdle dysfunctions and their relationships to the pelvic floor will be investigated.

5. Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions

This chapter will identify the dysfunctions created by a tight and weak pelvic floor. An overview of urinary, fecal, and sexual dysfunctions will be presented. Relationships between tight and weak pelvic floor muscle dysfunction and urinary, rectal, and sexual symptoms will be explored.

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