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Course Title: "It Takes Two: Coupling of the Respiratory and Pelvic Diaphragms to Optimize Breathing" presented by Dr. Karen Snowden, PT, DPT, WCS & Julie M. Skrzat, PT, DPT, PhD

Hosted by: Acute Care & Private Practice SIGs

Course Description:
Many of the patients who survive COVID-19 will demonstrate deficits in all major body systems. One system commonly overlooked is the genitourinary (GU) system. One component of the GU system is the pelvic floor diaphragm. The pelvic floor diaphragm, in conjunction with the respiratory diaphragm, act as a pressure regulator of the trunk. By regulating pressures, this group of muscles assist patients with breathing, posture, and movement. Because these are interventions that will be commonly implemented in therapy sessions for patients who survive COVID-19, it is imperative that physical therapists screen the GU system and integrity of the pelvic floor diaphragm. The purpose of this webinar is to provide a further understanding of the relationship between the respiratory and pelvic diaphragms and how to incorporate the pelvic floor into post-COVID-19 physical therapy sessions.

Course Objectives: 
Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

1. Understand the influence of how medical management of COVID-19 can impart changes on the thoracic cavity and abdominopelvic cavity, including pelvic floor.
2. Identify appropriate screening tools for incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction.
3. Implement appropriate interventions, including management of intra-abdominal pressures, to reduce bladder and bowel leakage and pelvic floor dysfunction.
4. Identify when to refer to a pelvic floor physical therapist.

Speaker bios:

Dr. Karen Snowden is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, board certified in women’s health (WCS) and holds specialty certifications through the APTA in pelvic floor dysfunction (CAPP-Pelvic) and pregnancy / postpartum (CAPP-OB). She has been a practicing physical therapist for more than 25 years, currently specializing in women's and men's pelvic health. She is known for her comprehensive approach to helping patients achieve their personal goals, using a holistic approach.Karen received her physical therapy degree from Northeastern University and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Widener University. In addition to treating patients, she teaches in the DeSales University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and mentors student research projects. She is active in the APTA Section on Women’s Health, assisting nationally with the education of physical therapists in pelvic and obstetric physical therapy, and has co-authored a new SoWH sponsored course: “Menopause Matters: Planning Early for Healthy Aging.” She currently serves on the APTA SoWH Nominating Committee, SoWH Education Review Committee, and is Chair of the SoWH CAPP Case Review Committee.

Dr. Julie M. Skrzat, PT, DPT, PhD, CCS, Julie is an Assistant Professor in the Physical Therapy Program at Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences at Mary Baldwin University, Virginia. She earned her BS, MS, and DPT degrees from Ithaca College. She has been an APTA board certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Specialist since 2015. Julie’s clinical practice has primarily been in acute care hospital settings, particularly the ICU. It is through her practice that she developed a passion for patients who are critically ill, ultimately leading her down a research pathway. She went on to study muscle fatigue and recovery in patients who are critically ill and graduated from Temple University with a PhD in Movement Science. Her research agenda continues to focus on optimizing patient outcomes in the acute care setting. In addition, she has been a guest lecturer at multiple universities, and spoken nationally on various physical therapy related topics, most notably early mobilization in the intensive care unit. Julie remains active in Pennsylvania Physical Therapy Association and the American Physical Therapy Association in various roles.

Contact hour approval: 1 general

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