CSM 2025: Day 2 Pelvic Health Programming

Day 2 of CSM 2025 is set to build on the momentum with even more inspiring sessions and hands-on learning experiences! From advanced clinical techniques to impactful advocacy discussions, Day 2 offers the perfect opportunity to deepen your knowledge, connect with peers, and elevate your practice. Don’t miss out on another day of growth and innovation at CSM 2025!

Day 2 Sessions

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Social Action for Marginalized Women: Pelvic Health Programs Targeted to Birth Professionals

Presented by Theresa Monaco Spitznagle PT, DPT, Board-Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist, and Juan Michelle Martin PT, DPT

During this session the social issues associated with birth in the United States will be highlighted. Participants will better understand the need for social action associated with educating birth professionals and the potential long term impact on access to pelvic health physical therapy. Specific educational activities targeted to birth professionals who work with marginalized women will be shared. Strategies for outreach related to pelvic health education will be highlighted with emphasis on illustrating identified needs for birth professionals, need for mentoring, discussing possible avenues of engagement for the pelvic health professional and a call to action related to the care of birthing women.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Gender-Affirming Chest Flattening Surgeries: Prehabilitation, Swelling Management, Scar Management, and Return to Exercise

Presented by Ken McGee, PT, DPT, Board-Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist, and Alex N. Papale PT, DPT

Pelvic health physical therapists have a long history of supporting chest health, from assisting clients in sports bra selection to managing clogged milk ducts. Pelvic health physical therapists are the natural clinicians to assist people undergoing gender-affirming chest flattening surgeries for their skillset in scar massage, swelling management, and coaching return to fitness. This course will give attendees an overview of the various types of gender-affirming chest flattening surgeries, frequently referred to as top surgeries. From there, attendees will learn about prehabilitation and rehabilitation activities. Participants will also learn what is unique about swelling management and scar massage for top surgeries, as compared to cancer-related procedures. Next, the course will provide guidelines for getting clients back to exercise, including weightlifting and swimming. Finally, attendees will learn how to add top surgery rehabilitation to their clinical practice and strategies for getting more referrals.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM From Blockage to Bliss: Innovative Treatment Strategies for Constipation Management

Presented by Kelly Sammis PT, DPT, Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist, and Cristina Ann Anderson PT, MPT

Constipation affects millions worldwide, causing discomfort and hindering daily life. In this engaging lecture, we delve into the realm of constipation management, exploring innovative rehabilitation strategies to alleviate symptoms and restore digestive harmony for your patients.Our lecture begins with an in-depth understanding of the underlying causes and mechanisms of constipation, debunking common misconceptions along the way. From abdominopelvic neuromotor dysfunction to dietary factors and lifestyle habits, we uncover the multifaceted nature of this common gastrointestinal issue. Drawing upon the latest research and clinical insights, we navigate through a spectrum of treatment modalities, ranging from conventional pharmacotherapy to cutting-edge interventions via neuromodulation.Clinicians will discover novel approaches that transcend traditional remedies, offering hope for those seeking effective, long-term relief. This session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to transform blockage into blissful digestive wellness.

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM How Swell Is Pregnancy?

Presented by Shelley Smith DiCecco PT, and Ria Lewis-Strange BSc (Hon), MCSP, SRP

Have you ever wondered why some individuals swell only slightly and others have significant involvement during pregnancy, or why some have complete resolution of symptoms and others do not? This session will explore the multiple relationships between pregnancy and the lymphatic system. There are morphological, physiological, and other metabolic changes documented in research that can occur during pregnancy that can negatively impact the lymphatic system on a transient or occasionally a permanent basis. Some of these changes can even lead to serious complications, such as preeclampsia. The international standard of treatment for lymphatic dysfunctions of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) and pregnancy concerns with CDT is lacking in published documents and on websites. This session will review and appraise the evidence on which CDT interventions are safe and which need modifications or should be avoided. Three unique lymphatic dysfunction and pregnancy cases will also be discussed during the session. One involves an individual with primary lymphedema, one with breast cancer-related lymphedema, and one with venous insufficiency to showcase the varied presentations and symptoms a clinician may see in everyday practice. Additionally, the trends from a focus group discussion on skill and comfort levels of clinicians in treating lymphedema in pregnant individuals will be shared. The session will conclude with a synopsis of where clinicians are currently and the direction of future research on this very important and underserved population.

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM PT Below the Belt: Orthopedic Approaches to Male Pelvic and Testicular Pain

Presented by Kelli Jayne Wilson PT, DPT, Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, and Adrienne J McAuley PT, DPT, MEd, Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist

This session addresses the intersection of back, hip, and pelvic pain, emphasizing the underrepresented area of testicular and penile pain management in cisgender male patients within physical therapy practice. The goal is to enhance the proficiency of pelvic health physical therapists (PTs) in addressing these conditions by demonstrating that the management of testicular and penile pain can be systematic and effective. Our aim is to empower pelvic health physical therapists (PTs) with advanced insights and strategies to address these complex conditions effectively. By dissecting the etiology of pelvic pain and aligning it with practical diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, we intend to demystify the treatment process, showing that it can be both systematic and impactful.We will explore the causes, essential diagnostic considerations, and the integration of targeted treatment approaches. The session will display how the incorporation of orthopedic assessments and treatments for back and hip pain can also advance outcomes in bowel, bladder, and sexual function. This knowledge base will enable PTs to extend their clinical capabilities, ensuring a more inclusive and effective approach to pelvic health, particularly for the male population grappling with testicular and penile discomfort.

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Pelvic Health Platform Session #1

This session will present current research and perspectives applicable to Pelvic Health physical therapy practice. This session may present both scientific and/ or clinically oriented topics to promote physical therapy practice and ongoing research initiatives. This session may include: research, case studies, and/ or description of current practice or programs.

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Models of Pelvic Health in DPT Education: Options, Opportunities, and Outlook

Presented by Jill Cramp PT, DPT, PRPC, and Julie Wiebe PT, DPT

The number of pelvic health and pregnancy related questions on the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) have gradually increased. This parallels the growth of pelvic and maternal health advocacy, research efforts, and increasing public demand for skilled pelvic health and postpartum providers. A committed response from DPT programs is required to meet this societal need. However, there has been no formal guidance or consensus on how much, what type, and when pelvic health content should be included in entry-level programs. Thus, DPT programs offer varying amounts of standalone content, ranging from a two-hour lecture to a 16-week elective course. Rarely is pelvic health threaded through the curriculum. This limited and siloed approach disconnects pelvic health from whole person care and does not reflect contemporary integrative pelvic health practice patterns. The result is low health literacy about pelvic health, deficits in differential diagnosis, reduced screening and wellness promotion tools amongst allied health professionals. This session will summarize the pelvic health content that is included in the NPTE with options and opportunities to integrate it into curriculums. It will also summarize the CAPTE requirements for pelvic health and what courses might be appropriate to insert pelvic health content.