External Pelvic Health Therapy for Pregnancy and Postpartum

25% fee for cancellations on courses that have been marked as “in progress” - or partially viewed. Execution of refund is contingent upon the review of RockTape/Implus Footcare LLC to determine course status. Full refunds will be issued to those who have not reviewed any portion of the course and will be processed within 3-5 business days. Refunds expected to be returned to the original payment method used unless stated otherwise by RockTape/Implus Footcare LLC. Due to the method of delivery for these courses (i.e., on-demand), registration is ongoing and therefore does not have a registration deadline associated with it.

• Do you offer discounts?

Yes, we offer military, student, and group discounts. For a student discount, please email a copy of your student ID or current course schedule with the year on it to student@rocktape.com. Be sure to note the exact course you are enrolling in to receive a specific code (i.e. August 15^th, 2023 Basic Webcast).

• What are your hours of operation?

Monday-Thursday: 7a-4p EST

Friday: 7a-4p EST

Holidays may impact these hours.

• Will I receive supplies with my course purchase?

This depends on the course type. The materials for a live course will be shipped to the course location and will be presented to you upon arrival. Webcast supplies will be sent directly to you and should be received on the week of. Our on-demand courses do not include supplies but can be purchased separately through our medical distribution partners. Please visit the "Get Medical Pricing" tab to purchase discounted materials for use in an on-demand course

• When does course registration close?

For a webcast course:

Webcast registrations close the Friday of the week before the scheduled class date/time (8/9 days -unless otherwise stated).

For a live course:

Live course registrations close 24 hours before the scheduled course date/time.

• I am enrolled in a webcast, but I have not received my supplies yet. Now what?

Supplies are sent manually on a course-by-course basis. This means your supplies and informational email will be sent to you on the week of. If you do not receive your supplies by the Thursday before the course, please reach out to student@rocktape.com for assistance.

• Do I need to have someone with me to practice on during a webcast or an on-demand course?

No, it is not necessary for you to have a model with you while you complete the course. However, we do find it helpful to practice the principles as they are presented, so you are more than welcome to have someone present with you during the course. Note: Any model/person(s) who have not registered for the course will not receive a certificate or CEU credits.

• Do I need to do anything to prepare myself before taking the post-course quiz?

Yes, please ensure you download the study guides located in the “Downloads” tab and complete your participant waiver (if you haven’t already).

• When will I receive my certificate?

For a live/webcast course:

If you have completed all the course paperwork and quizzes, you will receive your certificate in approximately three weeks from the course completion date.

For an on-demand course:

You will receive your certificate immediately after completing your course.

• How do I know if a course is approved for CEUs?

Please check the “CEU Details” tab on the course listing page. Each course, profession, and state have different approvals. If you do not see your profession and/or state on the CEU Details page, then we do not have approvals. You are more than welcome to check with your licensing board to see if the course meets their requirements.

• I am enrolled in a webcast. How do I log in to access the webcast?

Once you register and complete your waiver you will receive login instructions that includes your password to the webcast. Please read this document carefully and in full.

• For more information, downloadable guides, and tool hygiene guidelines, please visit: https://www.rocktape.com/medical/guides/downloads/

• Do you have any other questions or concerns?

Please reach out to student@rocktape.com.

Julia Mitchell, PT

Julia Mitchell is a Physiotherapist and RockTape Instructor, with a passion for supporting women during pregnancy and postpartum. She completed her Master of Science in Physiotherapy from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada, and also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics with Honours from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, Canada. She has worked in the private practice physiotherapy industry in Nova Scotia for many years, and is proud to provide focused, movement based, one on one care to all of her clients. She currently practices as part of a multidisciplinary group at The Pelvic Health Clinic in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. Julia has completed continuing education in multiple areas, including evaluating and treating the female athlete, running injury prevention, addressing core mechanics and diastasis recti in postpartum women, acupuncture, dry needling, kinesiology taping and IASTM, among others. Julia is the founder of Mom on the Run Productions, Inc., a company focused on providing running and movement solutions for busy parents. She has spoken on the topic of running during the 4th trimester at a women’s health summit, and co-created an education course for healthcare and fitness providers on external pelvic health care during pregnancy and postpartum. Julia is an avid runner, and Mom to two funny and busy little ones. She loves spending time outside being active with her family. You can find more information on her website, www.juliamitchellphysio.com, and on Instagram @momontherun.can

---------------------------------------

Elizabeth Frey

FCAMPT, MCISC(MANIP), MSc. PT, MSc, BPHE, BSc, MCPA Physiotherapist, Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Provider, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist.

Liz holds a BSc and BPHE from Queen’s University; a MSc in Exercise Physiology from the University of Toronto, and a MSc (PT) from McMaster University. In 2010 she went on to complete a third Master’s degree from the University of Western Ontario in Clinical Science in Manipulative Therapy. She has also achieved the designation of Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physical Therapists (FCAMPT), the highest level of training in orthopaedic manual therapy. Liz has completed her contemporary medical acupuncture training through Mc Master University as well as AFCI.

As an orthopaedic and pelvic health physiotherapist Liz integrates her over 15 years of clinical expertise to provide a unique whole-body approach to wellness. She addresses the root cause of an injury. This allows her to provide the most effective and efficient treatment strategies to get her patients better faster without injury reoccurrence. Her patient centered approach empowers patients to set goals, balance muscular dysfunction and work towards optimal health. She does all of this through manual hands-on techniques, taping, cupping, acupuncture, comprehensive education and tailored progressive exercise programs.

Since having her children Liz has completed extensive training in pelvic health physiotherapy and centered her practice around helping women with pelvic and core dysfunction. Liz guides women through the challenges associated with pregnancy, postpartum, menopause and everything in between. She transforms and empowers women to be strong and active through her unique approach.

Liz is an instructor for RockTape Canada, clinical lab facilitator at the University of Toronto and clinical supervisor for physiotherapy students. She continues to stay current in her profession through postgraduate courses and seminars. Some special interest courses completed include running injury prevention, gait analysis, pelvic health, cupping, taping and instrument assisted therapy.

Liz is living her best active life. As a busy mother of three children she uses positive mindset and fitness to maintain her focus and achieve success.

Module 1

Hour One

• Introduction of course creators/presenters.
• Module learning objectives.
• Description of external pelvic health therapy.
• Research demonstrating why this type of education is needed.
• Introduction to the anatomy and function of the Core 4 muscles and how they work with breathing mechanics, pressure management, posture and force transmission. 
• Respiratory pump description.
• Discussion of how the Core 4 and breathing mechanics are challenged early in pregnancy. 
•  Discussion of common myths surrounding exercise and pregnancy. 
• Review of recent research and guidelines supporting exercise during pregnancy. Joint SOGC/CSEP Clinical Practice Guidelines Nov 2018
• Relative precautions and absolute contraindications to exercise in pregnancy.
• SOGC/CSEP definition of recommended ‘moderate intensity’ exercise.
• Review of exercise goals during pregnancy.
• Subjective screen for current pelvic health issues.
• Subjective screen for baseline fitness and exercise readiness in early pregnancy.
• Objective assessments for posture, peripheral mobility, breathing strategy, abdominal integrity and pelvic floor awareness.
• Exercises that are appropriate for early pregnancy.
• Review of module one and preview of module two.

Module 2 – Assessing and Treating Pain and Dysfunction Throughout Pregnancy (2nd and 3rd Trimesters)

Hour Two

• Module learning objectives. 
• Identification of Core 4 and breathing functional changes typical during the second and third trimesters.
• Introduction of common pregnancy-related conditions typical during the second and third trimesters, including breathing pattern dysfunction, diastasis recti, pregnancy incontinence, sciatica, pelvic girdle pain, pelvic organ prolapse, low back pain and 
• piriformis syndrome.
• Subjective screening questions for common pregnancy-related conditions.
• Objective tests and corrective strategies for condition specific issues.
• Review of optimal treatment strategies when managing common pregnancy related issues.
• Exercises which are recommended to discontinue in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
• Exercises appropriate to begin or continue in the second trimester.
• Review of module 2.
• Preview of module 3.

Module 3 – Delivery Prep and 1st Six Weeks Postpartum Care

Hour Three

• Module learning objectives.
• Review of Core 4 changes during delivery – vaginal and C/section
• Teach techniques and strategies to prep the body for delivery, breathing control, visualisation, hip mobility, birth positions.
• The role of the OB or midwife during delivery – pain management, pushing instruction.

Hour Four

• Define and set goals for the 4th trimester.
• Discussion of typical issues that can arise. 
• Subjective screen for vaginal delivery and C/section.
• Objective assessments for typical postpartum issues, including breathing pattern, DR, scar mobility and healing, pelvic girdle pain and urinary incontinence. 
• Recommended activity levels for the 4th trimester.
• Activities and exercises introduced for the first 6 weeks postpartum.
• Review of module 3.
• Preview of module 4.

Module 4 – Return to activity for the athlete.

Hour Five

• Module learning objectives.
• Review of considerations for returning to activity.
• Return to activity screen.
• Goals for returning to activity – progressive tissue loading, maintaining correct pressure management of Core 4 during increased demand, pain and symptom management as necessary, improve cardiovascular status.
• Introduction of abdominal binders, pelvic support belts and kinesiology tape for symptom management options.
• Application options for support devices, pros and cons of each.

Hour Six

• Steps for regressing and progressing exercises.
• Examples of how to regress or progress a squat, running and yoga positions according to the presenting signs and symptoms. 
• Explanation of exercise appendix.
• Review of Module 4. 

Appendix

• Copies of subjective screens presented throughout the course.
• Exercises for pregnancy and postpartum, with videos of regressions and progression suggestions for each. 

PT/PTA

This course meets continuing education requirements for these State Physical Therapy Boards: AL, CO, CT, IA, ME, MA, MN, NH, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY