This remote course will introduce participants to foundational concepts needed to be able to use vocal techniques to treat the pelvic floor and core. The course includes several hours of didactic information followed by interactive lab activities conducted via Zoom.

The respiratory diaphragm has long been linked to pelvic floor health and functioning, but the voice has not. That is now rapidly changing as research emerges to link all three diaphragms, not just physiologically, but from a neuropsychological lens. Singing is a sport, but one needn't to be able to sing to access the power of the voice in pelvic floor therapy. Phonation and vocalization are ideal, alternate but essential pathways to treating pelvic floor dysfunction and promoting pelvic floor health. In fact, perhaps the most critical part of one's success as a therapist depends on their voice, so this course provides benefits in two ways: 1) Teaching participants how to find their voice and use it as a therapeutic modality – effectively, safely, and efficiently. 2) Teaching participants how to use vocal interventions to impact not just pelvic, but overall health and well-being.

Additionally, accessing the voice must be trauma-sensitive and COVID-informed. This course will provide the learner with an evidence-based trauma-informed approach that will help them better manage COVID-19 survivor cases who may present with pelvic floor dysfunction, as well as be more prepared to handle cases where a patient may have comorbidities such as a history of PTSD or other mental health issues, sexual abuse, and/or birth trauma. Getting in touch with the power of one's own voice also has the potential to improve their effectiveness and confidence as a clinician, improve their own self-care, and nurture their public speaking abilities as a leader in their field.


Prerequisites: PT's/OT's/PTA/COTA should complete Pelvic Function Level 1 prior to taking this course. Voice coaches and Speech Language Pathologists do not need to have PF1 or any other course prerequisite. 
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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.