Physical Therapy for Postpartum Webinar

The Physical Therapy for the Postpartum Patient (OB-Post Webinar) is a comprehensive course for physical therapy professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in managing the unique needs of patients who are postpartum. 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 the postpartum patient. Through expert, evidence-based instruction, this course will provide practical knowledge and advanced skills in the evaluation and treatment of the postpartum patient.  Interactive case discussions will allow participants to collaborate and apply clinical reasoning skills in real-world scenarios.

Key topics include:

• Anatomic and physiologic changes postpartum
• Differential diagnosis and screening for referral
• Psychosocial considerations
• Postpartum evaluation and recovery
• Considerations and interventions for lactation
• Obstetric birth injuries
• Evaluation and treatment of various musculoskeletal conditions including
  • Lumbopelvic pain (low back, sacroiliac joint and pubic symphysis dysfunction)
  • Coccyx pain
  • Diastasis recti abdominis
  • Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Return to sport postpartum

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

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 Pregnant Patient (OB-Ante 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 postpartum and how they affect evaluation and intervention.
2. Perform an appropriate evaluation of postpartum patient with musculoskeletal dysfunction or pain.
3. Assess for diastasis rectus abdominis with objective measurement skills.

Diagnosis/Prognosis:

1. Differentiate between musculoskeletal and medical diagnoses based on the subjective and objective evaluation of a postpartum patient.
2. Distinguish between low back, pelvic girdle and hip pain/dysfunction.
3. Describe common and infrequent maternal birth injuries, their impact on neuromuscular function and rehabilitation considerations.
4. Develop functional goals for musculoskeletal impairments 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 postpartum patients with musculoskeletal impairments or dysfunction including lumbopelvic, hip and coccyx pain.
2. Develop an evidence-based plan of care for physical therapy intervention of postpartum patients with diastasis recti abdominus.
3. Explain ideal biomechanical strategies for childcare activities.
4. Differentiate appropriate interventions to manage complications with lactation.
5. Prescribe an appropriate exercise program for return to sport postpartum.