Summit Certification Series

Women's Health

Expand your women's health knowledge

- Deliver more effective women's health care

- Increase performance of ADL's and attract new clients.

- Earn your Summit Women's Health Certification

Summit Certification Series
Subscribe to Unlock

Women's Health

This three-part, 18-hour course series will focus on pelvic floor dysfunction, Urinary Incontinence, and core stability. Pelvic floor dysfunction is an under reported and under diagnosed issue that will affect most people over the course of their lifetime. The prevalence of Urinary Incontinence (UI), for example, increases with age and is estimated to affect 50-85% of elderly persons living in long-term care facilities. UI significantly decreases quality of life, and is a risk factor for falls, but unfortunately many people are too embarrassed to tell anyone, and many healthcare professionals are not prepared to address the issue if their patients do reveal pelvic floor symptoms and issues.

What this certification series will address:

This course series will prepare rehabilitation professionals to apply their muscular expertise to improve the strength and mobility of the pelvic floor, effectively improving the function of multiple systems and addressing common issues associated with women's health. You will learn exercises that have been demonstrated by research to improve function and self-care that can be easily reimbursed by Medicare and insurance companies. Skills gained will allow you to leverage the popularity of Pilates and Yoga to improve adherence to Home Exercise Programs and exercise compliance, increase performance of ADLs, and attract new clients. Participants will practice Yoga and Pilates throughout the series, so they can effectively utilize these simple, but effective techniques, the next day in the clinic. These invaluable modalities will allow you to expand your treatment toolbox to improve your ability to deliver more effective women's health care. Participants will increase their knowledge of breathing exercises as they pertain to improving pelvic floor function, and be able to teach their patients the next day

What courses are included

Subscribe to Unlock

"Therapeutic Exercise Using Yoga and Pilates to Safely Challenge Older Adults"

Taught by Catherine Lewan, DPT, CYT

There is a growing demand for rehabilitation specialists who can safely and effectively incorporate mindful therapeutic exercise techniques into treatment plans that improve function in the aging adult population. Adults over the age of 65 are at increased risk for falls, and it is essential for therapists to utilize a full range of exercise tools to improve balance, posture, and overall functional strengthto prevent further decline in the health of this population,while maintaining an optimal level of daily function. The use of mind-body therapies, such as Yoga and Pilates has been steadily increasing since 2002, with the aforementioned therapies accounting for at least 75% of thisgrowth. Thirty-five percent of U.S. adults currently utilizeYoga, Pilates, or other Complementary Alternative Medicine to improve health and wellbeing or to relieve symptoms, and Physicians are now prescribing Yoga, Pilates, and Meditation for a full array of medical conditions: chronic pain, balance deficits, anxiety, insomnia, heart disease, back or neck pain, and cancer, are among the most cited in the literature. Yoga and Pilates include thousands of exercises to improve, neuromotor control, stabilization, strength, and balance.

This dynamic and interactive workshop will teach you to easily and effectively integrate Yoga and Pilates into your treatment plans. The most clinically relevant and easily reproduced adaptations for geriatric rehabilitation will be taught in this one-day course. Participants will learn exercises that can be applied to effectively improve function in a wide range of geriatric patients. This workshop is jam-packed with exercise modifications, including seated modifications, so you can utilize the techniques taught withany geriatric client. Skills gained in lecture and lab will allowyou to leverage the popularity of Pilates and Yoga to improve adherence to Home Exercise Programs and exercise compliance, increase performance of ADLs, and gain new clients. Participants will practice Yoga and Pilates throughout the day, so they can effectively utilize these simple, but effective techniques, the next day in the clinic. These invaluable modalities will allow you to expand your treatment toolbox to improve function, ROM and ADLs in the older adult patient population.

Available as:

6-Hour Online Video

6-Hour Live Session

Highlights

  • Practice over 50 Yoga and Pilates-based techniques that you can apply in the clinic easily, effectively and immediately
  • Interactive Labs will keep you moving and engaged throughout the day
  • Improve posture, trunk mobility, and dynamic stability to reduce the risk of falls
  • Self-care and documentation strategies that integrate Yoga and Pilates to enhance standard treatment plans and improve outcomes
  • Modifications for a wide range of mobility limits including adaptations for patients with wheelchairs, walkers, and an array of ambulatory dysfunction
  • Exercises that strengthen the pelvic fl oor to improve toileting and incontinence
  • Improve adherence to treatment plans and exercise compliance with effective evidence-based therapeutic exercise plans that improve function in the aging patient population
Check CE

Catherine Lewan, PT, DPT, CYT, CPI took her first pelvic floor training course from the Women's Health Foundation in 2006 while she was working as a full-time fitness, Yoga and Pilates instructor. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and set out to further specialize in Orthopedic, Pelvic, and Obstetric Physical Therapy. She created the Pelvic and Abdominal Physical Therapy Program at Andersonville Physical Therapy in Chicago, which continues to grow and thrive in its mission to serve the needs of those with pelvic floor and abdominal dysfunction by providing compassionate, integrative and evidence-informed care. Dr. Lewan is a member of the Orthopedic and Women's Health Sections of the American Physical Therapy Association, the International Association of Yoga Therapists, and the Chicagoland Pelvic Floor Research Consortium. She is a faculty member for several Chicago-based Yoga Teacher Training programs, including the Amala School of Prenatal Yoga's 85-hour prenatal teacher training. She enjoys integrating mind-body exercise into medicine (and vice versa!) and making information about the pelvic floor accessible and entertaining for all.

DISCLOSURES

FINANCIAL: Catherine Lewan is compensated by Summit as an instructor. She is the owner of Inner Awakening, LLC.

NONFINANCIAL: Catherine Lewan receives sample product to demo from Elvie.

  1. Pilates-Based Exercise for Rehabilitation
    1. What is Pilates?
    2. Local stabilizers vs. global mobilizers
    3. Posture and stability
    4. Integrated model of motor learning
    5. Relative hypermobility and hypomobility
  2. Yoga for Rehabilitation
    1. The eight limbs of Yoga
    2. Yamas and Niyamas
    3. Meditation and mindful movement
  3. Evidence Base of Pilates and Yoga for Older Adults
    1. Literature review of Pilates
    2. Literature review of Yoga
  4. Therapeutic Application of Pilates and Yoga in Older Adults
    1. Posture, balance, and fall risk
    2. Pain, chronic pain, low back pain and arthritis
    3. Men's/women's pelvic health and incontinence
    4. Stress and anxiety
  5. Documentation and Coding for Reimbursement
    1. Yoga/Pilates for wellness vs. rehabilitation
    2. How to bill for meditation, imagery, and visualization treatments
    3. Yoga/Pilates as therapeutic exercise, therapeutic activity, and neuromotor re-education
    4. Hands-on labs
  6. Lab 1: Posture, Breath, and Mindfulness
    1. Posture and breath assessment
    2. Breath as the mind-body connection
    3. Meditation techniques to improve body awareness and reduce pain
    4. Moving meditation: Mindfulness in action
  7. Lab 2: Pilates-Based Therapeutic Exercises
    1. Cervical stabilization
    2. Dynamic rib cage and scapular stabilization
    3. Lumbo-pelvic stabilization
    4. Pilates breathing to enhance core function and stability
  8. Lab 3: Pilates-Based Exercise for Older Adults
    1. Seated/standing Pilates for those who cannot transfer easily to the floor
    2. Functional core exercises to improve stability andbalance
  9. Lab 4: Modified Yoga for Older Adults
    1. Chair Yoga for strength, flexibility, and balance
    2. Wall Yoga to improve function and mobility
    3. Using props to make poses more accessible and reduce fall risk
  1. Implement Pilates or Yoga-based exercises in geriatric rehabilitation.
  2. Describe potential benefi ts of modifi ed Pilates or Yoga for older adults, as indicated by research.
  3. Expand your ability to cue deep core muscles for optimalposture and stability during exercise and function.
  4. Integrate a mind-body-breath focus to therapeutic exercise.
  5. Demonstrate chair or wall versions of Pilates and Yoga exercises for those who cannot easily transfer to a mat on the floor.
  6. Utilize meditation, mindfulness, imagery and breathe to enhance the experience of rehabilitation for the patient andhealth care provider.

"Strengthening Core Stability"

Taught by Lori Duncan, DPT, MTC, CPT

This one-day, interactive workshop will teach over 50 exercises for optimal dissociation of movement with emphasison trunk stability for safe weight-bearing activity. Participantswill learn how to apply the 6 Pilates Principles to alltherapeutic exercises to enhance home exercise plan compliance and optimize reimbursement. Modifications and progressions to each exercise will be demonstrated withhands-on lab-based learning and assessment. Participants will increase their knowledge of breathing, true core activation and be able to teach their patients the next day.

Available as:

6-Hour Online Video

6-Hour Live Session

Highlights

  • Innovative, proven methods to strengthen the core in patients with common orthopedic injuries, post-operative rehab, fall risks, and chronic pain
  • Effective, evidence-based therapeutic exercises for the whole body to improve posture, balance, and gait
  • Immediately improve your client's functional breathing, ADL's & home exercise plan compliance to create greater independence
  • Incorporating Pilates exercises for both frail and athletic patients that can be used in the clinic the next day
  • Time-efficient exercises that incorporate stability, strength and range of motion all in one movement
  • Hands-on, interactive labs with modifications for all patient settings and populations
Check CE

Lori Duncan, PT, DPT, MTC, CPT, is an accomplished physical therapist and certified Pilates instructor, specializing in sports and orthopedic rehab. She is the owner of Duncan Sports Therapy and Wellness in Lafayette, Colorado. She has her Manual Therapy Certification from the University of St. Augustine and is a Certified Pilates Instructor through June Kahn Bodyworks. In addition to clinical care, Dr. Duncan is a group fitness instructor teaching people how to move before they get injured. She is passionate about preventive physical therapy and writes a patientinspired blog based on current research and industry topics. Lori is a respected lecturer and presents on topics ranging from injury prevention to inventive exercise. She holds her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine, Florida.

DISCLOSURES

FINANCIAL: Lori Duncan is compensated by Summit as an instructor, and is compensated as the owner of Duncan Sports Therapy and Wellness. She receives financial benefit from Vimeo for the sale of various Duncan Sports Therapy and Wellness videos.

NONFINANCIAL: Lori Duncan has no nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

  1. Pilates-Based Exercise for Rehabilitation and Core Stabilization
    1. The latest research
    2. Dissociation of movement
    3. Building a solid foundation: Trunk stability
    4. Strengthening irregularities
    5. The importance of coordination and precision of movement
    6. Teaching diaphragmatic breathing
  2. Properly Assessing Core Dysfunctions that Lead to Injury and Pain
    1. Functional tests: Supine, sitting and standing
    2. Where the pain is coming from and its implications
    3. Strengthen poor dissociation of movements to improve gait and ADLs
    4. Compensatory movement patterns: How many and how often?
    5. Improving poor proprioception
    6. Hands-on lab
  3. Best Exercises for Common Orthopedic Injuries and Post-Operative Rehab
    1. Joint replacement
    2. Osteoarthrosis
    3. Degenerative joint disease
    4. Cancer rehabilitation
    5. Fractures, tears and impingements
    6. Chronic pain
    7. Hands-on lab
  4. Best Exercises to Reduce and Prevent Falls
    1. Exercises to decrease fall risk
    2. Improving gait through resistance training
    3. Advancing balance in older adults
    4. Optimal stability for various orthopedic and neurological conditions
    5. Best exercises for the upper extremities
    6. Scapular stability for upper extremity mobility and function
    7. Posture training
    8. Innovative dissociation tricks
    9. Best exercises for the lower extremities
    10. Intrinsic core: Inner two abdominal layers
    11. Glutes utilized in triplanar motion
    12. Innovative dissociation tricks
    13. Dynamic and static stability for gait and balance
    14. Hands-on lab
  5. Therapeutic Application of Exercises for Function and Sport
    1. Scoliosis
    2. Elderly golfer
    3. Triathlete
    4. Chronic headache patient
    5. Hands-on lab
  6. Documentation & Coding for Reimbursement
    1. Hands-on lab
  1. Implement and effectively convey the most important Pilates principles.
  2. Appraise the patient experience, HEP compliance, and quality of movement for each client.
  3. Integrate the concept of "mobility on stability" for alltherapeutic exercise.
  4. Identify the common areas of weakness including thediaphragm, scapula, hip and ankle complex.
  5. Develop specific treatment plans for common injuries andpost-op recovery for all patient populations.
  6. Utilize all 6 Pilates principles for any exercise to improve function and decrease fall risk.
  7. Include evidence-based research and clinical case studies for optimal rehab outcomes.

"Functional Pelvic Floor Training for Weakness, Pain, and Dysfunction in Men, Women, and Older Adults"

Taught by Catherine Lewan, DPT, CYT

The muscles of the pelvic floor are like muscles anywhereelse in the body, but they have unique function in that theysupport the urinary, reproductive, and gastrointestinal systems in addition to providing tensile force that supports lumbo- pelvic stability. This course prepares rehabilitation and fitnessprofessionals to apply their muscular expertise to improve the strength and mobility of the pelvic floor, effectively improving the function of multiple systems. You will learn exercises that have been demonstrated by research to improve function and self-care that can be easily reimbursed by Medicare and insurance companies. Interactive labs allow for practice of non-invasive techniques that you can use to immediatelyimprove your client's outcomes and quality of life.

Available as:

6-Hour Online Video

6-Hour Live Session

Highlights

  • Effectively screen and treat clients dealing with constipation, incontinence, pelvic pain, poorneuromotor control and weak proprioceptive awareness
  • Functional, task-specific exercises to train the pelvic floor for strength, endurance, coordination and relaxation in men and women
  • Incorporate pelvic floor muscle activation into the exercises that you frequently teach for improved outcomes, patient satisfaction and quality of life
  • Learn exercises from Yoga and Pilates to engage the core and pelvic floor muscles collectively
  • Valuable pre and post-natal techniques to helpnew mothers regain core strength and pelvic control
  • Reduce risk of falls by improving control of the pelvic floor and core muscles in older adults
  • Practical, non-invasive screening techniques to determine pelvic floor muscle strength and functional
Check CE

Catherine Lewan, PT, DPT, CYT, CPI took her first pelvic floor training course from the Women's Health Foundation in 2006 while she was working as a full-time fitness, Yoga and Pilates instructor. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and set out to further specialize in Orthopedic, Pelvic, and Obstetric Physical Therapy. She created the Pelvic and Abdominal Physical Therapy Program at Andersonville Physical Therapy in Chicago, which continues to grow and thrive in its mission to serve the needs of those with pelvic floor and abdominal dysfunction by providing compassionate, integrative and evidence-informed care. Dr. Lewan is a member of the Orthopedic and Women's Health Sections of the American Physical Therapy Association, the International Association of Yoga Therapists, and the Chicagoland Pelvic Floor Research Consortium. She is a faculty member for several Chicago-based Yoga Teacher Training programs, including the Amala School of Prenatal Yoga's 85-hour prenatal teacher training. She enjoys integrating mind-body exercise into medicine (and vice versa!) and making information about the pelvic floor accessible and entertaining for all.

DISCLOSURES

FINANCIAL: Catherine Lewan is compensated by Summit as an instructor. She is the owner of Inner Awakening, LLC.

NONFINANCIAL: Catherine Lewan receives sample product to demo from Elvie.

  1. Pelvic Floor Function in Orthopedic and Geriatric Rehabilitation
    1. Overview of pelvic floor anatomy and physiology
    2. Relationship to core muscles and abdominal strength
    3. Incontinence as a fall risk, reducing both with pelvic floor exercise
    4. The role of pelvic floor in lumbopelvic stability, core stability, balance, posture, continence, breathing mechanics and functional body mechanics
    5. Evidence to support functional improvements in populations including: geriatrics, pre- and post-natal, athletes, and men's and women's health
  2. Practical Screening Techniques to Determine Strength, Mobility and Function
    1. Determine hyper/hypotonicity of the pelvic floor muscles and appropriate treatment approach
    2. Screen for severity of dysfunction and when referral to specialist is needed
    3. Documenting your findings and rationale for treatment as part of your plan of care
    4. Hands-On Lab
  3. Improving Neuromotor Control and Proprioceptive Awareness
    1. Helping clients identify and engage pelvic floor muscles
    2. Improve coordination of the brain, pelvic floor, and bladder for better control
    3. Bring awareness of deep core stabilizing muscles that support posture and pelvic organs
    4. Hands-On Lab
  4. How to Teach Pelvic Floor Isolation and Control
    1. Effectively use external cues to help clients to fire pelvic floor muscles
    2. Simple biofeedback techniques to confirm correct activation of PFM
    3. Home exercises that directly improve function
    4. Hands-On Lab
  5. Therapeutic Exercises for Functional Core and Pelvic Floor
    1. Exercises for endurance - Improving hold times
    2. Exercises for strength - Target incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse
    3. Exercises for relaxation and relieving pelvic pain or constipation
    4. Incorporating Yoga and/or Pilates to assist mind-body connection
    5. Hands-On Lab
  6. Task-Specific Functional Training and Integration with Existing Treatment Plans
    1. Sit to stand
    2. Sneezing, coughing, bending to lift from the ground, getting in/out of car...
    3. Improving control during ambulation and running trainingwith other muscle groups
      1. Gluteals, hip external rotators and adductors
      2. Integration with lumbar stability
      3. Abdominal training integration
  1. Describe the role of the pelvic floor muscles in supporting lumbopelvic, urinary, reproductive, andgastrointestinal health.
  2. List the signs and symptoms of a hypotonic or hypertonicpelvic floor, and when to refer to a specialist who can do an internal examination for further diagnosis.
  3. Identify visual and palpable indications of a correct pelvic floor contraction.
  4. Incorporate pelvic floor cues into exercises that you already teach to improve pelvic floor engagement.
  5. Utilize Yoga, Pilates, and breathing techniques to improve function and mobility of the pelvic floor.
  6. Integrate pelvic floor activation and relaxation into core training programs to improve outcomes for incontinence,balance and low-back, hip, and pelvic pain.
Certification Series Overview