Pudendal neuralgia is defined as ‘a painful neuropathic condition involving the dermatome of the pudendal nerve’ (Robert, et al, 1998) but there are few diagnoses that cause as much confusion and fear for both patient and provider. Simultaneously overused as a diagnosis for pelvic pain and yet misunderstood by both physicians and therapists, diagnosis (and differential diagnosis) of Pudendal Neuralgia can be a complex, chronic and often costly source of pelvic dysfunction for many of our patients, male and female, young and old. The aim of this course is to thoroughly engage the practitioner with the anatomy, physiology, function and dysfunctions of this condition and to provide a broad spectrum treatment approach using the best clinical evidence available.
This remote, live continuing education course is a two-day seminar offered live on Zoom and is designed to provide a thorough overview to evaluating and treating patients with Pudendal Dysfunction, including Neuropathy, Neuralgia and Entrapment. The course includes pre-recorded lecture which is reviewed before meeting, and then two days of live remote learning presented by an instructor. Lecture will include a review of pelvic neural anatomy, as well as a review of multi-disciplinary treatments. This course presents an integrative approach to pelvic pain; psychosexual health issues, neuroscience and mindfulness will also be addressed. Labs will be interactive and cover spine, lumbopelvic/hip complex, neurodynamics and therapeutic techniques to integrate orthopaedic, pelvic floor and biopsychosocial approaches into the subjective and objective assessment. Once completing the course, the healthcare practitioner will have improved pudendal neuralgia diagnostic capabilities, and will have improved impact in treating patients with pudendal nerve/pelvic floor muscle dysfunctions.
Course Curriculum
Hi, I’m Pamela Downey, MSPT, DPT, WCS, BCB-PMD
Pamela A. Downey, PT, DPT, WCS, BCB-PMB, is a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Women’s Health Physical Therapy and Board Certified in Biofeedback for Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction. Owner of Partnership in Therapy, a private practice in Coral Gables, Florida, she treats women and men with pelvic floor dysfunction, related urogynecological and colorectal issues, spine dysfunction, osteoporosis and complaints associated with pregnancy and the postpartum period. Her mission is to educate and integrate healthy lifestyles for patients on the road to wellness.
Dr. Downey has been honored to teach with the Herman and Wallace Institute since 2006. She is an Adjunct Professor in the Physical Therapy Program at the University Of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Coral Gables, Florida, and Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. A certified Polestar Pilates Educator, she utilizes Pilates and therapeutic exercise interventions specifically designed for patients with pre/post-natal, pelvic floor muscle and other lumbo-pelvic pain-related dysfunctions.
Dr. Downey received her Bachelor of Arts from Sarah Lawrence College and her Master of Science and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami School Of Medicine. She is actively involved in professional activities of the Section on Women’s Health of the American Physical Therapy Association, presently sitting as Coordinator of Research Submissions for annual meetings and as a manuscript reviewer for the Journal of Women’s Health. Dr. Downey has lectured nationally and internationally at professional conferences and is the author of multiple published research articles and a book chapter on chronic pelvic pain in the medical text, Women’s Health in Physical Therapy.