Cervical Spine to Diaphragm and Pelvic Floor: The Whole Body Connection

Course overview

Look beyond the traditional regional approach of pelvic floor PT and OT and understand how addressing dysfunctions of the thoracic/cervical spine and TMJ region can positively affect lumbo/pelvic dysfunction. This course is designed to expand your current practice through evidence-based and biological plausible methods of examination and intervention of upper quarter dysfunctions to the lower quarter region. Learn how the effects of intra-abdominal pressure with trunk/cervical/TMJ dysfunction results in decreased performance and fatigue of the pelvic floor musculature. The concepts of how upper quarter regional dysfunction influence musculoskeletal dysfunction will include the effects on diastasis rectus abdominus, episiotomy, prolapse, incontinence, GI dysfunction, and lumbo/abdomino/pelvic pain. A complete review of the anatomy and physiology (including the trigeminal/vagal alarm system) from the glottis to the pelvic floor will be provided with links of clinical reasoning for expanding intervention of manual therapy, movement, and exercise. The course will include an interactive format for discussion of the current concepts and the application of interventions. There will be a strong emphasis on lab with movement experiences and clinical reasoning.