Integrated Pelvic Floor Health and Function

via Coursera

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Details

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Paid Certificate Available
Duration & workload

6 hours 43 minutes
Sessions

On-Demand
Subtitles

English

Found in

Part of

Empowering Women's Wellness: Holistic Movement and Mobility

Overview

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By the end of this course, you will (1) explain pelvic floor anatomy and function within a whole-body framework and (2) apply safe, evidence-based strategies to assess and support pelvic health. Led by physiotherapist and women’s health expert Sonja Forster, this program offers a deep understanding of the pelvic floor’s role in posture, breathing, and core stability. You’ll learn to identify common dysfunctions, interpret movement and muscle coordination patterns, and apply clinical reasoning to choose effective interventions. Through detailed video lessons, illustrated materials, and real-world examples, you’ll connect theory with practical application. This course stands out for linking pelvic health to the broader kinetic chain, empowering professionals to integrate movement, breath, and awareness for long-term wellness outcomes.

Syllabus

Introduction

Explore the anatomy, physiology, and function of the pelvic floor through a holistic lens with Sonja Forster, Physiotherapist and Women’s Health Specialist. This course examines how pelvic floor health influences posture, breathing, core stability, and overall well-being in women. You’ll learn to identify signs of pelvic floor dysfunction, understand the interplay between musculoskeletal and visceral systems, and apply evidence-based strategies for assessment and treatment. Through detailed instruction and guided demonstrations, this course equips therapists to address incontinence, pain, and dysfunction with sensitivity and confidence—empowering clients to restore balance and strength from within.

Pelvic Anatomy

This module provides a clear understanding of the bony structures that form the foundation of the pelvic floor. Learners will explore the anatomy of the spine, pelvis, and sacroiliac region, including key landmarks and the structural differences between the male and female pelvis. By connecting skeletal alignment to function, this module helps practitioners recognize how posture, load transfer, and pelvic positioning contribute to symptoms and movement strategies in clinical practice.

Pelvic Floor Muscles

This module provides a detailed look at the structure and layered organization of the pelvic floor muscles, including their attachments, innervation, and functional roles in continence, support, stabilization, and pelvic organ health. Learners will explore how each muscular layer contributes to breathing, posture, and coordinated core activation — and why dysfunction can lead to pain, leakage, or movement compensations. This foundational knowledge supports accurate assessment and evidence-based clinical decision-making.

The Autonomic Nervous System

This module explains how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) influences pelvic floor function, bladder and bowel control, pain responses, and overall regulation of the internal environment. Learners will explore the interaction between sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways and how stress, anxiety, and trauma can alter muscle tone, breathing, and pelvic floor behavior. Understanding these neural mechanisms helps therapists integrate nervous-system-informed strategies into assessment and treatment.

Muscle Function

This module explores how the pelvic floor muscles coordinate with respiration, posture, and core systems to provide support, stability, and continence. Learners will examine the roles of contraction, relaxation, and reflexive activation, and understand how muscle performance changes in response to hormonal shifts, stress, or dysfunction. Practical concepts help therapists recognize imbalances such as over-recruitment, weakness, and delayed activation.

The Core Muscles

This module examines how the pelvic floor integrates with the diaphragm, deep abdominals, and multifidus to form the core support system. Learners will explore coordinated activation among these structures and how dysfunctional patterns—such as breath-holding, abdominal gripping, or spinal instability—can influence pelvic health. The focus is on functional anatomy and practical awareness to support safe, efficient movement in clinical care.

The Bigger Picture

This module emphasizes the importance of viewing the pelvic floor within the context of the whole body. Rather than isolating individual muscles, learners are encouraged to consider posture, breath, movement, nervous system influence, and lifestyle factors when assessing and supporting pelvic health.

Assessment and Bio-Psychosocial

This module introduces a structured pelvic floor assessment approach that integrates physical evaluation with bio-psychosocial considerations. Learners observe postural screening, functional testing, and bladder/bowel/sexual health questioning while developing communication skills that support client comfort, trust, and accurate reporting. The focus is on identifying meaningful contributors to symptoms and guiding safe, individualized care plans.

General Mobility Exercises

This module provides guided mobility and movement strategies that support pelvic floor function through whole-body integration. Students learn exercises that coordinate breath, core activation, and joint mobility to reduce tension, support optimal pelvic positioning, and improve functional stability. These movements offer practical options for clients experiencing discomfort, rigidity, or movement hesitation related to pelvic floor dysfunction.

Practice Assignments

This module provides an opportunity to apply key concepts from the course through self-directed activities and reflective practice. Learners will deepen their understanding by analyzing case examples, reinforcing assessment skills, and integrating appropriate movement and treatment strategies into practical scenarios.

Summary

This final module reviews the key concepts covered throughout the course and reinforces how they integrate into clinical practice. Learners will reflect on gained knowledge, confirm their understanding of core principles, and prepare for the final exam required for course completion.

Final Reflective Exam

This final exam is designed to assess your understanding of the key concepts presented throughout the course. Please review all video lessons and written materials before beginning. A passing score of 70% or higher is required to successfully complete the course and earn your CE certificate. You may reference your notes during the exam. Once you pass, your certificate will be available for immediate download.