Micki Harris Series: Pelvic Floor and Exercise, It's More than Just Kegels

2 contact hours awarded

Presenter: Kelley Thibault PT, NCS

Description and Objectives:

This lecture will discuss basic pelvic health anatomy and physiology, healthy bowel and bladder habits, exercise and its connection with the pelvic floor as well as pelvic floor dysfunction and its contribution to inactivity.  Participants will understand functional verses basic kegels and what other musculature is important for overall pelvic stability and continence.             

1. Participants will understand basic anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor and its functions.

2. Participants will understand the importance in proper breathing on pelvic floor function.

3. Participants will understand healthy bowel and bladder habits and how to incorporate into a treatment plan

4. Participants will understand what a kegel is how best to incorporate into a treatment plan.

5. Participants will understand the barriers to pelvic strength and exercise in general.

6. Participants will be able to use the information presented to instruct patients with various dysfunctions and/or injuries in a functional exercise program that includes the pelvic floor and supporting musculature.

7. Participants will be able to demonstrate assessment of load transfer, breathing mechanics, postural assessment, postpartum patterns, abdominal wall mobility, and mobility of the coccyx as it relates to a pelvic floor contraction.

Speaker bio:

Kelley graduated from University of New Hampshire with a degree in exercise physiology in 1991 and went on to obtain masters in physical therapy from Boston University in 1993.  Began career at Portsmouth Regional Hospital in fall of 1993 -present.  During career has worked primarily in outpatient department specializing in neurological physical therapy obtaining NCS in 2004 and recertification in 2014.  Transitioned to pelvic health physical therapy approximately 10 years ago with significant continuing education over the past years.  Currently works with all genders and ages with pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic pain, bladder and bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, prenatal and postpartum and peri and postmenopausal issues.  Currently is a lead TA for Herman and Wallace courses.  Instructs exercise classes for her community both virtually and in person and instructs both a pelvic health exercise class as well as an exercise class for those with Parkinson’s disease at Portsmouth Regional Hospital.  Lives in Durham, NH with her husband of 33 years, has two grown sons, two daughter in laws and one grandson.  In her spare time she enjoys hiking, traveling and spending time with friends and family.