Introduction to Female Pelvic Health
Rehabilitation professionals who work with female patients suffering from incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction must have a comprehensive understanding of the factors that impact continence and dysfunction.
This course is divided into two parts.
Part One - Online course
Part One consists of a self-paced online course and Part Two consists of a 2-day lab. Participants may register for part one only but must complete part one to participate in the part 2 lab sessions.
In Part One, participants will gain theoretical knowledge of the female anatomy, physiology and function of the healthy pelvis and pelvis floor, pathophysiology, and mechanisms of dysfunction. Part 1 is open to all healthcare professionals with an interest in female pelvic health.
Students in the 九秀直播 MScPT Program should complete PTHER 554 Pelvic Health to receive credit for Part 1.
Part Two - Synchronous session and 2 day lab
In Part Two (lab) vaginal and rectal exams (female) will be demonstrated and practiced. Participants will practice on each other and should come prepared to be both clinician and patient for internal and external sessions. Males who would like to participate in the Part II lab are required to bring their own female model for participation. Behavioral techniques and pelvic floor muscle re-education for female patients with pelvic floor dysfunction will be discussed and practiced.
Part 2 is restricted to licensed Physical Therapists, licensed Occupational Therapists or Physical Therapists who have completed credentialing through the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR).
Part three - hybrid course
This course will provide physiotherapists (PTs) working in pelvic health with the opportunity to enhance their understanding and competence in assessment and treatment interventions through instruction and mentorship. Students will further develop skills in pelvic health, to integrate appropriate orthopedic techniques. There will be a focus on the special considerations for postpartum traumatic deliveries (3rd and 4th degree tears).
This is a hybrid course which will run over an eight-week timeframe for a total of 32 hours. The format will include synchronous online lectures, case-study discussions, in-person lab sessions and clinical time at a large, multidisciplinary urogynecology clinic to shadow an experienced PT and observe the interprofessional teamwork.
This course will be instructed by two highly experienced PTs who have specialized in pelvic health for many years. This course will build on the knowledge gained from the UA FRM CPE Unit Parts 1 and 2 Pelvic Health or similar introductory courses. Participants must have a basic understanding of pelvic anatomy, physiology, and dysfunction.
other information
These courses are not intended for professionals working in male pelvic health practice.
Pelvic health has regulatory requirements, to ensure you meet the authorization requirements of your regulatory body. Ensure you review those specific requirements and ensure they are met by taking parts I and II.
now accepting registrations for
- PART ONE (Online Course): August 18 - September 26, 2025
- PART TWO (Lab Course): October 2, 2025 6:00 - 7:30 PM Synchronous Session on eclass, October 4-5, 2025 in-person clinical component
- PART THREE (Hybrid Course) September 1- October 24, 2025
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To apply to Part 1 use the application link below to submit some brief contact information via the dept consent form. Please complete and submit the form.
Once your dept consent form is approved you will be emailed information on how to proceed to course payment.
Part 1 (online course): $300 course fee (plus tax).
A 100% refund of the $300 course fee is available to students who withdraw before the first day of the course. Withdrawal requests during the first 3 weeks of the course will be refunded 50% of the registration fee. After 3 weeks (mid-point of the course) no refund will be provided.
Part 2 (Synchronous Session + 2 day lab): $600.
A full refund is provided up until one week before the scheduled lab date. Any refund requests after that will be charged a $80 administration fee.
Please complete the application to participat in part 3 at:
Course instructors will approve a limited number of applicants to participate in the part 3 course. If you are selected to paricipate the CPE unit will email further information including payment link once approved.
Cost: $950
This portion of this course covers theoretical knowledge of the anatomy, physiology and function of the healthy pelvis and pelvis floor and pathophysiology mechanisms of dysfunction. Participants will gain a better understanding of the factors involved in patient assessment during the clinical history section.
Prerequisites: None.
Content Areas:
- Introduction to bladder diary
- Anatomy of the bladder, urethra, perineum, vagina and uterus
- Types of urinary incontinence
- Normal pelvic floor
- Pelvic floor dysfunction Micturition
- Medical evaluation and procedures
- Pharmacological management
- Urodynamics
- Surgery
- Mechanical devices
- Clinical history
- Skin care and conditions
- Containment products
- Pelvic floor exercises
Vaginal and rectal exams will be demonstrated and practiced. Participants will practice on each other and should come prepared to be both clinician and patient for internal and external sessions. Behavioral techniques and pelvic floor muscle re-education for patients with pelvic floor dysfunction will be discussed and practiced.
Prerequisite: Part 1.
Part 1: All online learning activities will be delivered asynchronously so students can work through the learning activities at their own pace. Students will be provided with clear learning objectives and learning activities for each module. Students can also ask questions through an online question and answer forum which will be monitored by the course instructor.
Part 2: consists of a 2-day lab
Part 3: hybrid course including synrhonous sessions and mentorship
Dianne MacDonald, PT.
Dianna has been a physiotherapist for 45 years, 27 of them in women’s health. She is the Rehabilitation Team leader for women’s health at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in the Lois Hole Hospital for women. She developed the outpatient clinic for the treatment of incontinence in women and men. She authored “In Control Again”, a personal workbook for the re-education of the pelvic floor. She has contributed to public education and awareness of incontinence and menopause on TV and public forums. Dianna has lectured, organized and participated in many national and international conferences, courses and workshops. Recent research activities include “Managing Urinary Incontinence in elderly village women in Bangladesh: A Feasibility Study for a community exercise-based intervention.” (co-investigator) and “Physiotherapy for Stress Urinary Incontinence: Feasibility Study for a Randomized Controlled Trial of Hip External Rotation Exercise Training versus Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Training” (principle investigator).
Upon completion of Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 participants will be issued a faculty digital certificate noting the number of educational hours.