Lumbar Nerve Manual Assessment and Treatment - Remote Course

This two-day course for the experienced pelvic rehab therapist will address problem-solving assessments for the major contributory nerves from the lumbar plexus in an organized, systematic fashion. Peripheral lumbar plexus nerves included in this course are Iliohypogastric, Ilioinguinal, Genitofemoral, Lateral Femoral Cutaneous, Femoral, and Obturator Nerves. This course will cover extensive anatomy and differential diagnosis and objective findings for specific nerves of the lumbar plexus. It will also include 12 key lab techniques for manually treating the nerves of the lumbar plexus, with research-based approaches to manual nerve treatment. Significant time will be devoted to mapping nerves and refined, precise palpatory techniques to find and assess the nerve.

This continuing education course includes several hours of pre-course video lectures followed by two days of live remote lecture and labs over zoom. Nerves transmit pain messages. When nerves are compressed, they can cause pain or weakness. Pelvic rehab is traditionally centered around muscles, but muscles are at the will of the innervating nerve. Frequently the nerve is overlooked as the source of pain or weakness. Unfortunately, the patients who receive diagnoses such as neuropathic pain or nerve entrapment are presented with few options. Pelvic neural pain can be mimic or be the actual cause of vulvodynia, testicular pain, hip and low back pain, IT band issues, lower abdominal and bladder pain, pubic symphysis pain, as well as many other syndromes and weakness, such as lower quadrant pain, poorly firing abdominals or unilateral hip weakness.

All lab techniques for this class are external. Participants will need to have a model/person to practice on who is not in the class, as the pacing is designed for one learner and one non-learning model. Please see the Schedule Tab for which sections will require a live model.

Prerequisites
Participants must have prior experience with internal vaginal assessment. Pelvic Function Level One and intermediate coursework, Pelvic Function Level 2B, or another intra-vaginal mapping course is a required prerequisite.

Please note that labs are paced for one learning participant and a lay model to practice on. All labs for this class are external. It is ideal and helpful have different models to practice on during different labs, but it is not required.

Pre-Course Learning Requirements
10-14 days before the course, participants will receive an invite to join Teachable, an online learning platform. In Teachable, registrants will find video lectures, other pre-course learning materials, course manual files, mandatory liability waiver, and URLs for any Zoom meetings. We require registrants to complete teachable components in sequential order. Videos lectures are required and must be completed in-full before proceeding to the next Teachable section. At the conclusion of the course, registrants can access their post-test and course evaluation form to provide our curriculum team feedback on their experience, as well as download their certificate of completion - all via Teachable.

Audience
This continuing education seminar is targeted to physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, registered nurses, nurse midwives, and other rehabilitation professionals. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation.

Recommended Readings
Gray's Anatomy for Students - Available at a 25% Discount for Herman & Wallace registrants with promo code 70484. Registrants who already own a copy of this or a corresponding textbook are not required to purchase an additional one.

Required Supplies
a) Screen to view labs during lab (the larger the better, tablets and smart phones not encouraged)
b) Spray bottle with alcohol (preferred) OR alcohol wipes
c) 3-4 permanent markers
d) An old washcloth or towel that can be used to clean permanent marker.