Pelvic Cancer and Lower Extremity Rehabilitation - Online Self-Study

Course overview

The course instructs participants in the clinical skill sets and techniques needed to effectively deliver well-structured specialized oncology rehabilitation therapy to pelvic cancer patients in any phase of their cancer treatment and beyond. Examples of the types of cancer diagnoses that could be treated based on the clinical skills, and treatment algorithms in this course are: Gynecological Cancers (incl. Ovarian, Uterine, Cervical, Vaginal, Vulvar) Male Reproductive Cancers (Prostate, Testicular) Urological Cancers (Bladder) The clinical skill sets and techniques instructed in PORi are based on integrated treatment models designed to include Myofascial Trigger Point Release, Joint Mobilization, Neural Mobilization, Visceral Mobilization Lymphatic Manual Drainage, Pain Mitigation, Bowel and Bladder Functional Restoration, and Functional Movement Restoration. This course does not include internal (vaginal/rectal) techniques as those are reserved for an advanced pelvic floor dysfunction course. These techniques are placed in the context of understanding the physiological and anatomical effects of cancer treatments including specific surgical interventions, chemotherapy regimens, radiation therapy, and adjuvant medications. Careful study is made of the impact of cancer treatment on the Epidermal, Dermal, Myofascial, Skeletal, Lymphatic, Vascular, Neural, and Urogenital Systems, and the treatment protocols instructed by PORi relate to the optimal resolution of signs and symptoms and sequelae within these body systems. All the clinical skill sets and techniques instructed within the PORi Oncology Rehabilitation Curriculum are derived from evidence-based clinical applications within the scope of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy practice. One of the more defining elements of PORi, presented alongside PT/OT evidence-based clinical application, is the necessary physiological and anatomical knowledge unique to the oncology patient population, which is required by qualified practitioners to accurately and safely implement oncology-specific treatment plans and realistic goal-based outcomes for this patient population.