This 1-day course provides clinicians with foundational education on GI and GU
dysfunction within the scope of practice of PT management. Participants in the course will
gain manual skills and exercise instruction tools to help manage both visible and deep scar
tissue, peritoneal restriction and visceral pain patterns (both real and phantom pain). This
course includes techniques to manage abdominal viscera negatively affected by surgery,
endometriosis and more.
Instruction in external pelvic floor rehabilitative assessment and treatment techniques for
aiding pain patterns in both male and female patients are also included. Participants are
encouraged to fully participate in all labs, which include lower abdominal and external pelvic
floor components. The final 2 hours of the course will be internal rectal instruction and labs for
those seeking pelvic health and wellness specialization. Marketing these services to create
new sources of referral is also taught within the first 6 hours of the course.
Target Audience: PTs, PTAs, OTs, COTAs
Instructional Level: Beginners
Instructional Methods: Hands-on lab (including internal rectal lab), lecture with Q&A, group discussion, patient cases, evidence review. This is a live satellite course.
Course Completion Requirements: must attend the entire 1-day course and complete the post-course test
EMPLOYEES REGISTER HERE
CEUs 8
TPTA CCUs 8
AOTA CEUs 0.8
Course Rationale:
This course has been designed to help the clinician interested in pelvic health issue management to go deeper and understand the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal system. Through a combination of behavior modification and neuromuscular retraining, physical therapy can offer patients more natural options for bowel management and improved quality of life.
*This includes an internal rectal lab for examination and treatment.
Course Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Describe signs and symptoms of various gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) dysfunctions and its impact on ADLs.
- Explain pelvic floor impairment and its impact on GI/GU dysfunction for daily needs.
- State contraindications and precautions of using visceral mobilization and deep scar manipulation in treatment.
- Summarize the key components of an abdominal viscera evaluation and identify functional goals specific to each patient.
- State appropriate steps of related treatment protocols for visceral dysfunction and select appropriate exercises for GI/GU dysfunction.
- Educate for various progressive exercises and demonstrate select treatment interventions related to GI/GU dysfunction.
- December 13, 2025. Winter Park, FL.
- 811 S. Orlando Ave. Suite H, Winter Park, Florida 32789
- Questions about the course? Email ptclinicalexcellence@corahealth.com
Frequently Asked Questions – External Genital and Internal Components
Which courses include an external genital or internal lab component?
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction – Level 2
- Pelvic Pain
- Visceral Mobilization and Gut Health for the Rehab Professional
Do I have to participate in external genital and internal labs?
External genital and internal labs for our Visceral Mobilization and Gut Health for the Rehab Professional course are performed during the final 2 hours of the course and are entirely optional. We highly encourage your participation in all course components – one of the best ways to learn is to experience the treatment techniques yourself! We take extreme measures to create a consensual, private, safe, and inclusive environment for all. If you are unable to fully participate, please contact the course instructor ahead of time for reasonable accommodation.
What measures will be taken to protect my privacy?
At the course location, all windows will be covered or obscured from the outside. The clinic doors will be locked during labs and only registered course attendees, the instructor, and a teacher’s assistant will be present onsite. All phones and recording devices will be put away during lab times. A sheet will be provided for draping during labs. Attendees are instructed to keep all disclosed personal health information private both during and after the course.
What happens during the external genital labs?
You will be working with a lab partner of your choosing from the students in attendance. You will undress from the waist down and will drape yourself with a flat sheet for privacy. With your consent, your lab partner may lift the sheet to observe your external tissues. Your lab partner may use a cotton swab or a gloved finger to identify the external anatomical structures, to practice an external exam or testing, and to practice external treatment techniques. External modalities or therapeutic devices, such as biofeedback, may also be used. The course instructor and/or a teacher’s assistant may be observing the techniques and will be available for questions.
What happens during the internal labs?
You will be working with a lab partner of your choosing from the students in attendance. You will undress from the waist down and will drape yourself with a flat sheet for privacy. With your consent, your lab partner will lift the sheet and will ask to insert one gloved and lubricated finger vaginally or rectally. Your lab partner will then practice identifying internal anatomy and will assess the tissues for tone, strength, and neuromuscular control. Treatment techniques may also be performed. The course instructor and/or a teacher’s assistant may be observing the techniques and will be available for questions.
What if I am on my menstrual cycle?
If you are experiencing a heavy or moderate menstrual flow, we encourage you to purchase and use a menstrual disc so that you can participate in internal labs. If you have a light flow, you may decide to participate in the labs without a menstrual disc. External genital and rectal labs can be completed while wearing a tampon, a menstrual disc, or a menstrual cup.
What conditions may limit my participation in external genital or internal labs?
We do not require that you disclose personal health information. However, if you choose to share, please know that all disclosed information will be handled with a high level of privacy and sensitivity.
We encourage you to reach out to the course instructor ahead of time if you are currently experiencing one or more of the following conditions so that we can work with you to find a reasonable accommodation: rectal bleeding, rectal fissure, recent pelvic or genital surgery, yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis (BV), urinary tract infection (UTI), active sexually transmitted infection (STI), pregnancy (especially 1st trimester), fertility treatment, significant psychological effects from sexual abuse/trauma.