The Missing Link | Goodman Physical Therapy

Wednesday, February 17, 2021
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Research suggests 22% of musculoskeletal injuries may present with concomitant pelvic floor dysfunction. Specifically, a higher percentage of patients with lumbopelvic pain may present with pelvic floor dysfunction. Female athletes of all ages commonly present to physical therapy with lumbopelvic and hip pain or dysfunction. It is therefore important that sports and orthopedic physical therapists understand the relationship of the pelvic floor to the rest of the musculoskeletal system in order to effectively treat these athletes. This session will explore the anatomic connection of the pelvic floor to the spine, pelvis, and hips and discuss how lumbopelvic dysfunction may be related to pelvic floor dysfunction. Presenters will discuss common pelvic floor diagnoses such as urinary incontinence, diastasis recti abdominis, and pelvic pain. This session will focus on promoting optimal pelvic health for female athletes while presenting evidence for the presence of pelvic floor dysfunction in the athletic population. The biomechanics of sport related movements will also be explored in order to better understand their demands on the pelvic floor. Case studies will be utilized to illustrate the connection between orthopedic and pelvic floor conditions from adolescence into adulthood while presenting treatment options for the orthopedic and sports physical therapist.