Physical Therapy for Pregnancy Webinar

The Physical Therapy for the Pregnant Patient (OB-Ante Webinar) is a comprehensive course designed for physical therapists and physical therapy assistants seeking to enhance their expertise in managing the unique needs of pregnant patients. Combining self-paced modules, live webinar, and interactive small group discussions, this course is an in-depth and evidence-based exploration of physical therapy for pregnant people.

Key topics include:

• Anatomic and physiologic changes in pregnancy
• Differential diagnosis and screening for referral
• Psychosocial considerations
• Evaluation and treatment of various musculoskeletal conditions including
  • Lumbopelvic pain (low back, sacroiliac joint and pubic symphysis dysfunction)
  • Hip pain
  • Thoracic pain
  • Abdominal muscle dysfunction
• Considerations for exercise, fitness during pregnancy including strategies to decrease the risk hypertensive disorders in pregnancy and gestational diabetes
• Considerations for pregnant athletes

Evidence-based strategies for evaluating and treating the complex needs of this patient population are presented and advanced clinical decision making is discussed. Interactive case discussions will allow participants to collaborate and apply clinical reasoning skills in real-world scenarios.

By the end of this course, participants will have a robust understanding of how to optimize care for pregnant patients, improve outcomes, and promote safety and well-being throughout pregnancy.

After completing this webinar, participants are eligible to attend the live Physical Therapy for Pregnancy and Postpartum Lab (OB-AntePost Lab). Participants are encouraged to also take Physical Therapy for the Postpartum Patient (OB-Post Webinar) prior to joining the live lab, however only one is required. 

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Examination/Evaluation:

1. Describe the anatomic and physiologic changes related to pregnancy and how they affect evaluation and intervention.
2. Summarize appropriate modifications to the musculoskeletal exam for pregnant patients.
3. Perform an appropriate evaluation for a pregnant person with musculoskeletal dysfunction or pain.

Diagnosis/Prognosis:

1. Differentiate between musculoskeletal and medical diagnoses based on the subjective and objective evaluation of a pregnant patient.
2. Distinguish between low back, pelvic girdle and hip pain/dysfunction.
3. Develop functional goals for musculoskeletal impairments in pregnancy and postpartum based on a systematic interview and examination of the patient.

Intervention:

1. Develop an evidence-based plan of care for physical therapy intervention of pregnant patients with musculoskeletal impairments or dysfunction.
2. Explain ideal biomechanical strategies for pregnant patients.
3. Prescribe an appropriate wellness exercise program for a variety of skill levels for a pregnant client.