Description of Lab Activities

The Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and professional learning environment for lab activities. Lab participation is an essential component of our courses, offering hands-on experience that builds clinical confidence and competency in pelvic and perinatal physical therapy practice.

During all pelvic health lab sessions, participants are expected to take on both roles—the examining “therapist” and the **“patient.”**Lab activities are conducted in small groups of two to three participants to promote guided, hands-on learning. Participants will participate in comprehensive situational lab scenarios to integrate learned skills. 

The specific vulvar, vaginal, rectal, and/or other lab activities, along with their sequence, are detailed in the Course’s Time Ordered Agenda. In summary, activities may include: 

• External and internal vaginal examination and intervention techniques (PH1 Lab, PH2 Lab, PH1 Combined)
• External and internal rectal examination and intervention techniques (PH2 Labs)
• Insertion of an internal electrode for surface EMG/biofeedback and/or electrical stimulation
• Abdominal examination and intervention techniques

Visual assessment and palpation of external and internal anatomy are essential for developing safe and effective examination skills. Appropriate draping and positioning will be maintained throughout all activities to ensure participant comfort and professionalism.

During vulvar, vaginal, or rectal palpation, some participants may experience physical discomfort. External and internal examinations performed in the course pose no greater risk than a standard gynecologic or colorectal examination. Participants are encouraged to communicate openly with their lab partners and instructors to maintain a respectful and supportive learning environment.

Lab Activity Participation

The Academy welcomes all PTs, PTAs, 2nd and 3rd year SPTs/SPTAs to participate in this course regardless of gender identity, medical condition, or pelvic anatomy.

Participants with Allergies and Skin Sensitivity

The Academy uses a water-based, glycerin-free lubricant (Slippery Stuff®) for all lab activities. If the participant has any known sensitivities or allergies to any of the ingredients in this lubricant, they are encouraged to bring their own preferred lubricant to use during lab sessions.

Participants Who Are Menstruating

Participants who are actively menstruating will receive menstrual discs (e.g. softcup) to enable them to participate in internal vaginal examinations. Menstruating participants can fully participate in labs.

Participants Who Are Pregnant

Participants with a confirmed or suspected pregnancy must provide a signed medical release from their healthcare provider authorizing participation in all examination activities. It is recommended that participants share the course’s Time Ordered Agenda, which outlines the specific lab activities, with their provider when seeking clearance.

Participants Who Are Unable to Participate in Internal Exams as the “Patient”

During course registration, participants are asked to disclose any relevant medical conditions and complete a lab participation opt-in form indicating one of the following:

• They agree to fully participate as both therapist and patient
• They are unable to participate and will bring a medical model
• They are unable to participate and will not bring a medical model due to medical or personal circumstances
  Participants are responsible for disclosing any medical conditions that may limit full participation. If a new condition arises after registration, they must notify the Academy by emailing hello@aptapelvichealth.org at least one week before the course.

When to Bring a Medical Model or Opt Out of Internal Lab Participation

Participants who are unable to participate as a “patient” in lab activities due to their anatomy, a medical condition, or personal circumstances may choose to bring a medical model. If you are still not sure whether you need a medical model, please review the information below.

Below is a list of common scenarios in which a participant may choose to bring a medical model or opt out of the internal vulvovaginal and/or rectal lab activities:

• Lack the anatomical components required for the vulvovaginal and/or rectal lab activities ( e.g., do not possess vulvovaginal anatomy, male participants)
• Are pregnant and have not been cleared by their medical provider to participate
• Are less than six (6) weeks postpartum
• Have an active infection (urinary tract, vaginal, rectal, or systemic) or active lesions related to sexually transmitted infections (e.g., herpes)
• Have an indwelling catheter or have recently undergone surgery without medical clearance
• Have an active OB/GYN cancer or are undergoing treatment affecting pelvic tissues
• Experiencing pelvic, vaginal, or rectal pain that inhibits examination, or have a history of pelvic pain or painful sexual activity
• Have dermatologic or inflammatory conditions (e.g., lichen sclerosus, inflammatory bowel disease) currently exacerbated
• Have never undergone an internal gynecologic examination or lack a prior physician examination
• Have a history of sexual abuse or trauma and prefer not to participate as a patient
• Have social, cultural, or religious beliefs that preclude internal examination

Medical Model Expectations

It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure that their medical model completes and submits the Medical Model Consent Form (https://educationforms.softr.app/medical-model-form) so that our Academy faculty can prepare accordingly. The participant must communicate lab participation expectations with their model and handle all arrangements with their medical model.

• Consent Form: Must be completed and submitted at least 1 week before the course. Models without a completed consent form will not be permitted to participate.
• Attendance: Must arrive 15 minutes early and must attend all lab sessions and skill checks. 
• Eligibility: Must be 18 years or older and meet all participation criteria.
• Participation: It is up to the medical model whether they choose to participate with other ‘therapists’, or whether they want to only participate with their participant.
• Compensation: Typical rates for medical models are $50–$75/hour (varies by location and experience); participants arrange and pay for their models directly.
• Recommended Models: Participants may consider reaching out to friends, colleagues, relatives, significant others, professional medical models, or healthcare students. The Academy also offers an online Medical Model Directory (https://www.aptapelvichealth.org/medical-model-directory) , which lists Academy members who have opted in to be featured as potential models for courses (paid or pro bono). Please note that each participant is responsible for verifying their model's credentials and making their own model arrangements.

Requesting Special Accommodations

Bringing a medical model offers the most effective hands-on learning experience, but is not required. Participants who are unable to bring a model may receive alternative accommodations, such as participating in groups of three, practicing on synthetic models, or engaging in observation activities.
Participants must disclose any need for special accommodations during course registration. If a new circumstance arises after they register that limits participation in internal lab activities, the participant must submit a Special Accommodations Request Form (https://airtable.com/appt2d86HaesJEHfG/shrszLaA9OIk93cDL) at least 1 week before the course.