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
IMPORTANT CEU INFORMATION: If you don't see your state listed in the "CEU Info" above under ANY of the categories for your profession (including "Meets requirements for"), please email courses@pelvicglobal.com to request your state. 

If you are an OT and you need CEUs, please email courses@pelvicglobal.com to request CEUs. 
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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

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

Dr. Susan C. Clinton is an award-winning physical therapist renowned for her professional achievements and is the owner of LTI Physio in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. She is board-certified in both orthopedic and women’s health physical therapy and is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Therapy. Additionally, she holds a national board certification as a health and wellness coach.

An esteemed international instructor and mentor, Dr. Clinton specializes in post-professional education focusing on women’s and pelvic health, orthopedic manual therapy, health and wellness coaching, and business psychology. She offers Pivotal Coaching, designed to help healthcare providers optimize their work-life balance, and Pinnacle Coaching, aimed at assisting mature women in maximizing their health and purpose.

Dr. Clinton's roles include serving as a Master Coach for the Integrative Women’s Health Institute, a reviewer for the Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy, and a clinical faculty instructor for the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy and ASPIRE. She is also a prolific author, contributing to research and blog posts, and is a dedicated professional and clinical mentor.

As the co-founder and board member of the Global Women’s Health Initiative: Global Women’s Health Initiative, Dr. Clinton actively supports global women's health. She also co-hosts two acclaimed podcasts: “Tough to Treat,” which provides guidance on managing complex patients, and “The Genius Project,”which focuses on reframing the treatment of persistent musculoskeletal pain.

In her leisure time, Dr. Clinton enjoys walking, hiking, country line dancing, ballroom dancing, and is a passionate supporter of music, the arts, and international women's health initiatives.



Patrick Jones - Course author