Obstetric Physical Therapy Courses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

15.25 Contact Hours

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.

15 Contact Hours

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.

14.50 Contact Hours 

The Physical Therapy for Labor and Birth (OB-Intra Webinar) is a fully virtual course designed to empower physical therapy professionals with advanced, evidence-based skills to support patients with labor and birth. Delivered in an interactive live webinar format, the course equips participants with an in-depth understanding of how specific physical therapy interventions during the antepartum and intrapartum periods may affect birth outcomes and postpartum maternal health. 

Key topics include:

• Anatomic considerations of the maternal pelvis
• Labor and birth considerations for various comorbidities, including orthopedic conditions
• Causes and management of dysfunctional labor
• Psychosocial factors influencing childbirth
• Clinical considerations for vaginal and cesarean delivery

Comprehensive, expert-led instruction includes practical, evidence-based knowledge and advanced skills to provide therapeutic and educational support to pregnant patients. 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 maternal movement, manage dysfunctional labor, and apply biomechanical and orthopedic principles to support positive birth experiences.

After completing this webinar, participants are eligible for the Physical Therapy for Labor and Birth Lab (OB-Intra Lab).

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

Examination/Evaluation:

1. Identify and describe key anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of the maternal pelvis relevant to labor and birth.
2. Define common terminology used by obstetric providers during labor and birth.
3. Perform an appropriate examination and evaluation for a patient in the early postpartum period including recognize and screen for early postpartum complications.

Diagnosis/Prognosis

1. Recognize and assess psychosocial and environmental factors that may impact the labor and delivery process.
2. Differentiate between typical and atypical labor progressions.
3. Describe medical tests and interventions and their direct and indirect effects on labor.
4. Identify risk factors for complication with labor and birth based on examination findings, pre-existing maternal comorbidities, and psychosocial factors.
5. Describe the immediate and long-term maternal and fetal complications associated with cesarean delivery.
6. Explain the relationship between primary and repeat cesarean birth rates and the importance of reducing primary cesareans to decrease the overall cesarean rate.

Intervention

1. Differentiate maternal movement and positioning needs based on fetal station and stage of labor.
2. Apply therapeutic strategies for managing dysfunctional labor.
3. Differentiate maternal positioning needs based on pre-existing orthopedic dysfunctions.
4. Demonstrate appropriate patient education that empowers birthing individuals with self-management tools and strategies for labor and vaginal and cesarean birth.
5. Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary birth teams to support individualized, patient-centered birth experiences.

8 Contact Hours 

The Physical Therapy for the Medically Complex Pregnancy (OB-Med On-Demand) is a fully virtual course designed for physical therapy professionals who work with patients navigating medically complex pregnancies. The course delivers practical, evidence-based knowledge and advanced clinical reasoning skills you can apply immediately in your practice—on your schedule.

This on-demand webinar dives into specialized care strategies for high-risk pregnancies and unique populations, helping you confidently evaluate and treat patients with complex medical conditions throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Through expert-led instruction and interactive cases, you’ll improve your clinical decision making to safely and effectively support patients with medical conditions during pregnancy and postpartum.

Key topics include:

• High risk medical diagnoses
• Cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions
• Neurologic conditions
• Endocrine disorders including diabetes and thyroid conditions
• Connective tissue disorders
• Considerations for high and low BMI
• Traumatic injuries
• Considerations for pregnancy during adolescence and advanced maternal age

By the end of this course, participants will have a robust understanding of how to optimize care for medically complex pregnant patients, improve outcomes, and promote safety and well-being throughout pregnancy. Learn at your own pace on a flexible schedule while elevating your impact with perinatal patients.

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

Examination/Evaluation:

1. Describe the anatomic and physiologic components of high-risk pregnancy medical diagnoses.
2. Perform an appropriate examination and evaluation of a pregnant patient with high risk or medically complex pregnancy.

Diagnosis/Prognosis:

1. Identify and manage autonomic dysreflexia (AD) in pregnant individuals with SCI.
2. Describe factors that influence pregnancy outcomes in adolescents and those of advanced maternal age.
3. Summarize postpartum considerations for people with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of continued blood pressure monitoring and the potential for postpartum preeclampsia.
4. Describe considerations and resources for the peripartum patient with a disability.
5. Develop functional goals for musculoskeletal impairments during high-risk pregnancy based on a systematic interview and examination of the patient.

Intervention:

1. Develop an appropriate plan of care for physical therapy intervention for patients in high-risk pregnancy or with trauma during pregnancy. 
2. Describe the role of diet and exercise in managing diabetes during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
3. Develop individualized exercise plan for pregnant women with low or high BMI.
4. Design an appropriate plan of care for patients with activity restrictions. 

9 Contact Hours 

Physical Therapy for Pregnancy and Postpartum Lab (OB-AntePost Lab) is conducted 100% in-person and is open to all participants who have taken Fundamental Topics of Pregnancy & Postpartum Physical Therapy Webinar, Physical Therapy for the Pregnant Patient Webinar (coming fall 2025), or Physical Therapy for the Postpartum Patient Webinar (coming fall 2025). 

During this lab course, participants will learn and practice the necessary skills to effectively evaluate and treat pregnant people. Topics include: lumbopelvic, hip examination and special tests, thoracic spine evaluation and treatment, modifications of the pregnant examination, diastasis rectus abdominis examination and intervention; external pelvic floor assessment and exercise (NO internal pelvic floor techniques); therapeutic exercise in pregnancy and postpartum; cesarean scar assessment and mobilization techniques, and biomechanical strategies. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to practice with various pregnancy support belts and garments.

During the lab, participants will work in groups of 2-3. Everyone will participate as both “clinician” and “patient” and receive in the moment feedback and tips from instructors. All participants will participate in comprehensive situational lab scenarios to integrate learned skills. All people can fully participate in this lab, including people of any gender and individuals who are pregnant. 

Upon completion of this lab course, participants will have expanded examination and treatment skills to support the pregnant and postpartum patients.

Learning Objectives:

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

Examination/Evaluation:

1. Perform an examination of a pregnant or postpartum patient with:

   1. Low back pain

   2. Pelvic girdle pain

   3. Hip pain 

   4. Thoracic pain

2. Assess for diastasis rectus abdominis with objective measurement skills

3. Perform an external assessment of pelvic floor muscle function 

Diagnosis/Prognosis:

1. Utilize objective measurements to screen for medical referral

2. Differentiate between low back, pelvic girdle and hip pain/dysfunction.

Intervention:

1. Develop an evidence-based plan of care for physical therapy intervention of pregnant or postpartum patients with musculoskeletal impairments or dysfunction

2. Demonstrate manual therapy interventions for the treatment of cesarean scars

3. Describe effective cues to contract and relax the pelvic floor and transverse abdominal muscles 

4. Explain ideal biomechanical strategies for pregnant or postpartum patients

8.5 Contact Hours

Physical Therapy for Labor and Birth Lab(OB-Intra Lab) is conducted 100% in-person and is open to all participants who have taken Intrapartum Topics of Obstetric Physical Therapy Webinar or Physical Therapy for Labor and Birth Webinar.

The OBI Lab course offers skills that are immediately applicable to clinical practice and include: preparation for childbirth, assessing the pelvis and coccyx, positions for promoting efficient labor, hands-on interventions for dysfunctional labor and labor with orthopedic considerations, and physical and mental coping including hands-on techniques. 

During the lab, participants will work in groups of 2-3. Everyone will participate as both “clinician” and “patient” and receive in the moment feedback and tips from instructors. All participants will participate in comprehensive situational lab scenarios to integrate learned skills. All people can fully participate in this lab, including people of any gender and individuals who are pregnant. 

Upon completion of this lab course, participants will have expanded therapeutic and educational strategies to support the pregnant client in optimizing labor, delivery, and acute postpartum recovery.

Learning Objectives:

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

Examination / Evaluation

1. Assess the dimension of the pelvic outlet

2. Perform an external assessment of the coccyx 

Diagnosis / Prognosis

1. Distinguish maternal positioning needs based on fetal station and stage of labor 

2. Differentiate maternal positioning needs based on orthopedic dysfunctions

Intervention

1. Demonstrate positions and techniques to increase the pelvic outlet and inlet

2. Demonstrate manual techniques for relieve back labor and perineal discomfort

3. Describe mental coping techniques including imagery, framing, breath, vocalization and relaxation