This session will provide an introduction to the biofeedback practitioner's role in the treatment of bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor disorders. Common pelvic floor disorders will be described, and biofeedback and behavioral treatment methods will be outlined. Treatment methods will include: retraining the function of the pelvic floor muscles using surface electromyography (biofeedback);teaching the patient bladder or bowel urge control strategies; patient education regarding normal and abnormal bladder and bowel function; toileting postures and habits; relevant dietary changes; environmental and lifestyle changes; and other therapeutic modalities. Case studies will illustrate treatment methods.

Participants will become acquainted with an amazing tool to enhance their practice. In this session we will discuss the history, background/basics, and benefits of biofeedback when used to treat urinary incontinence. The focus of this workshop will be introducing different biofeedback equipment and software, administering a biofeedback assessment, conducting a treatment session, and patient instruction/education utilizing live demonstrations with audience participation. In the live lab, participants will experience using a self-inserted vaginal or rectal sensor and move through 4 stations covering a basic biofeedback assessment, treating a patient with stress incontinence, and treating a patient with urge incontinence. Resources for training and certification in this area of practice will be provided. The workshop will be provided in lecture format using Power Point and written lecture notes, with a live lab to follow featuring several different biofeedback systems. Lab instructors are board certified through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance in Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction. This session will be limited to 30 participants.

This is a beginner to intermediate course designed to provide a basic working knowledge of biofeedback assisted behavioral therapy for bladder, bowel, and pelvic pain disorders. This workshop meets all of the didactic and practicum requirements for the BCIA Certification in Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction. Upon completion of the course, participants will have the knowledge to begin treating patients with these disorders. The workshop format will include videos, lecture, case histories, hands-on lab experiences, and practice with biofeedback equipment. This workshop will NOT involve any internal examination, and participants will stay fully clothed throughout the workshop. It will be limited to 14 participants.

This 14 hour course is designed to give biofeedback practitioners clinical experience through hands-on lab (11 hours) and case study discussions (3 hours). This course is targeted for clinicians who have experience treating patients with sEMG biofeedback, and who understand pelvic floor anatomy and physiology. In this course we will discuss behavioral therapy and biofeedback treatment applications used to treat complex patients with urinary and fecal incontinence, constipation, and/or pelvic pain. Participants will be administering biofeedback assessments, conducting treatment sessions, and role playing patient instruction/education for each diagnosis presented. Participants will experience being a biofeedback practitioner and patient (using a self-inserted vaginal or rectal sensor) and move through many treatment rooms covering constipation, fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, and urinary incontinence. Lab instructors are board certified through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance in pelvic muscle dysfunction. Resources for training and certification in this area of practice will be provided. Three hours mentoring credit will be given upon completion of this course. It will be limited to 10 participants.