Course series

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

PT/OT CEUs

  • 11.5 hours
  • Click below for CEU specifics for each state.

Access

  • Immediate Access
  • Unlimited Access

Audience

  • PT, PTA, OT, COTA, ATC, or exercise professionals.
  • No pre-requisites
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Learn the connections between voice and pelvic floor function. 

Eye-Opening Content

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 biologically 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 expanding on interventions like manual therapy, movement, and exercise. 

     

What people are saying about this course:

I was very impressed how the instructor was able to answer everyone's questions, yet still stay on task with the presentation. The flow of the course was very well thought-out and the research presented was perfectly explained. Susan is fantastic and a wealth of knowledge!
This was a great course and I was able to return to the clinic and begin using the techniques immediately with my patients, getting great results. 
Susan's course is wonderful - From her ability to take a deep dive into the anatomy/physiology to the way she applies it in simple patient exercises I walked away with so many AHA's. Loved it!
Apply anatomy and neurophysiology to treat difficult cases. 

What You Will Learn

At the completion of this course, participants will be able to:
  • Define the current evidence for normal abdominal and thoracic pressures and how these pressures are increased with normal postures, positions, and activities.
  • Describe the anatomy and physiology of the glottis to pelvic floor —including the anatomical changes with prolonged postures and the trigeminal/vagal alarm system.
  • Identify the physiology behind the literature on the effects of the prolonged seated posture.
  • Describe the relevance of the literature on fatigability of the pelvic floor muscles and training.
  • Reframe examination and intervention techniques to reduce the effects of increased abdominal pressures and glottis considerations with pelvic floor, transversus abdominus, multifidus, and diaphragm training from low level to high level activity, including activities of daily living, social participation, and leisure participation.
  • Recognize the use of voice and the breath to automate the postural mm system in functional activities.

     

More reviews!

This course was excellent in looking at a systems approach to pelvic health rehab. I came away with a better understanding of the pressure system and of the concept of looking above the diaphragm for a more complete picture into someone's pelvic symptoms. 
I was very impressed with the way in which the research was utilized to draw connections between so many aspects of the body, from the mucosal membranes of the mouth to the pelvic floor. The course was also very organized and well adapted for virtual learning.
Focus on the thoracic spine and the idea of shining the spotlight in general was terrific! Integration of neuroanatomy to help understand certain clinical observations was validating and I learned new ways of viewing the body. Bridge analogies and pics were awesome!
Meet the instructor

Susan C. Clinton PT, DScPT, OCS, WCS, COMT, FAAOMPT WHC NBC-HWC 

Susan is an award-winning physical therapist in professional achievement and the owner of LTI Physio in Sault Ste. Marie, MI (former co-owner of Embody Physiotherapy & Wellness in Sewickley, PA). Susan is board certified in orthopedic and women’s health physical therapy, a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Therapy, and a board certified health and wellness coach. She is an international instructor/mentor of post-professional education in women’s health (including GI issues in women), orthopedic manual therapy, health/wellness coaching and business psychology. She is on faculty at Andrews University in the Doctor of Science in PT program, a Master Coach for the Integrative Women’s Health Institute, and a clinical faculty instructor for the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy and ASPIRE. She is also an active author in research and blog posts, and is an active professional/clinical mentor. Susan is the co-founder and board member for the foundation: Global Women’s Health Initiative. She is also the co-host of the 5 five-star podcast, “Tough to Treat”, the guide to treating complex patients, and “The Genius Project”, reframing the treatment of persistent musculoskeletal pain. Susan enjoys walking / hiking, country line dance and ballroom, and is an avid supporter of music, the arts, and international objectives for women’s health.

Susan's Email:  [email protected]
Patrick Jones - Course author

FAQs

What is the Cancelation & Refund Policy?
Individual GPHAM webinars are non-refundable. 
For other courses, the option for a full refund is available within 48 hours of purchase, however it is non-refundable upon either of these conditions:
  • You have viewed more than 50% of the course material
  • You have already claimed your CE certificate
If you need additional assistance with a refund or course concern, please email [email protected].
Will there be any part of this live course where I could be recorded?
Live participation parts of courses may be recorded live and screenshots maybe be taken by the instructor or the host. If your camera is on, your microphone is on, or you type comments in the comment section, your participation will be part of that recording. If you do not wish to be part of this recording, you will be responsible for keeping your video and audio recording OFF during any live recorded sessions. 
How can I use the handouts, videos, and course supplemental material?
You will be provided with online content and recordings of the course as well as slides and material related to the course. This material is for your personal use only.  Please do not use clips of video, screen captures, screenshots, or copying in any way, that you might be presenting it as your own (whether or not it is for financial gain). Sharing a screenshot to social media that is credited to the instructor and/or Pelvic Guru, LLC is acceptable. If you would like to use any of this content for an independent project, you need to discuss this directly with Pelvic Guru and the instructor of the course. 
Will I have to exercise or have a space to move for this course? 
Some of the Pelvic Guru Academy courses have sections in them in which you will have the option of doing movement at various levels. Understand that all physical therapy, rehabilitative, and strength training instruction and use of all facilities and equipment shall be done at you own risk, and please be physically and medically able to undertake any and all physical therapy, rehabilitative, and strength training instruction provided in the course.