Women experience significant anatomical and physiological changes during pregnancy that can frequently result in musculoskeletal problems, including pain. Physical and occupational therapists can play a significant role in caring for the needs of pregnant women and assisting women in maintaining a healthy and comfortable pregnancy. Unfortunately, many clinicians often feel ill-equipped and lack knowledge to provide excellent, safe, and evidence-based care to these patients, leading to frustration for the clinician and a gap in care for many women during the prenatal period. This webinar aims to provide clinicians with adequate introductory knowledge to understand the changes that occur during pregnancy, common musculoskeletal problems that arise as well as safety concerns for these women. Following this webinar, participants will be equipped to effectively tailor examination and intervention procedures safely for the pregnant patient and provide evidence-based treatment approaches to common musculoskeletal problems during pregnancy. Clinicians will also understand common safety concerns including safe prescription of exercise, common high-risk pregnancy situations as well as precautions/contraindications for treatment.

Level of Instruction:  Introduction

Course Objectives

  • Identify typical anatomical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy
  • Identify common musculoskeletal dysfunctions occurring in women who are pregnant
  • Identify key precautions and contraindications for treatment during pregnancy including high-risk situations
  • Identify important aspects of examination and treatment for women during pregnancy
  • Identify recent ACOG guidelines for safe exercise during pregnancy

Course Agenda

  • Anatomical and physiological changes during pregnancy
  • High-risk pregnancies
  • Musculoskeletal changes during pregnancy
  • Physical therapy evaluation of the pregnant patient
  • Common musculoskeletal complaints during pregnancy (pelvic floor dysfunction, diastasis rectus abdominis, pelvic girdle pain)
  • Motor control interventions during pregnancy
  • Exercise during pregancy
  • Case study

Faculty

  • Jessica Reale PT, DPT, WCS

Jessica Reale is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and Board-Certified Specialist in Women’s Health (WCS) practicing in Atlanta, GA at One on One Physical Therapy. Dr. Reale received her DPT at Duke University and was the director of the largest pelvic floor rehabilitation program in South Carolina prior to relocating to Atlanta in 2015.

Jessica is passionate about helping her patients achieve optimal health through multifactorial treatments integrating current research in individualized treatment plans. She is passionate about working with men and women experiencing urinary, bowel and/or sexual dysfunction as well as pelvic pain. In addition, she has advanced training in working with children experiencing bladder or bowel difficulties.

Jessica is active in the American Physical Therapy Association and the Section on Women’s Health. In addition, she is passionate about educating the community and current practitioners on pelvic floor disorders and has taught seminars locally as well as presented at state-wide conferences, as adjunct faculty in physical therapy orthopedic and sports residency programs, and as a guest lecturer at the University of South Carolina’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

 

Contact Hours: 1.5

Price: $49

 

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