Ultrasound imaging allows for valid, reliable, efficient, and non-invasive measurement of motor control deficits of the deep stabilizing muscles that are associated with neuromusculoskeletal disorders. The ability to qualitatively assess motor control in real-time followed by visual feedback training has been shown to improve clinical decision-making and superior patient performance.

This two-day course provides lectures as well as hands-on instruction for the utilization of rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) for addressing lumbopelvic dysfunction. The material will explore the basic science, clinical evidence, relevant anatomy, image generation, and ultrasound probe techniques for evaluation of tissue morphology and motor pattern training. Clinical applications include a variety of lumbopelvic dysfunctions including lumbosacral pain, urinary incontinence, diastasis rectus, pelvic organ prolapse, outlet dysfunction constipation, and chronic pelvic pain.

This course format has two hours of pre-recorded lectures and a list of relevant ultrasound terminology to be completed prior to course onset. Saturday morning will begin with a review and quiz of recorded material proceeded by a live lecture. Technique demonstrations and hands-on lab training sessions with ultrasound equipment with a skills assessment to follow. Faculty will be present during all lab sessions for assistance in learning RUSI techniques. The afternoon of day two is specific to pelvic health diagnoses.

Topics to be covered:

• Ultrasound 101: US physics, knobology, image generation, anatomic image interpretation
• Systematic techniques for performing an ultrasound scan on any region of the body
• Anterior abdominal wall
• Lateral abdominal wall
• Pelvic floor: Transabdominal approach
• Pelvic floor: Transperineal approach for males and females
• Lumbar multifidus
• Respiratory Diaphragm
• Midline contents of the pelvis for prolapse, post-void residual, and megarectum
• Using RUSI to market and grow your practice

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS

FOR EVERYONE’S SAFETY, PLEASE OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS.

1. DO NOT attend an in-person course if you have symptoms or are awaiting the results of a COVID test.
2. If you have been exposed to anyone testing positive within the ten days prior to course onset, please keep everyone safe and test yourself before attending an in-person event. 
3. We follow CDC guidelines that recommend all individuals wear medical-grade masks (N-95 optional) while indoors. Cloth masks or neck gaiters do not provide sufficient protection and will not be acceptable.
4. We are requesting the lecture areas to allow for social distancing standards of 6 feet between students if they wish to lower their masks for eating or drinking. 
5. Host/satellite hospitals may be under additional local requirements/mandates regarding masks, temperature checks, or proof of vaccination. EGPS respects and will enforce these policies. All participants will be informed of any such requirements. 
6. Hosts will no longer provide an open snack table. Participants are allowed to bring their food and beverages to the course.
7. Hand sanitizer will be available at all course locations. 
8. Attendees should register for a location close to their home to limit the need for air travel.  

Upon course completion, the participant will be able to:

1. Understand current clinical applications of rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) in the scope of physical therapy
2. Understand basic imaging principles and ultrasound terminology
3. Understand the science and equipment requirements to perform rehabilitative ultrasound imaging
4. Understand the pre-scan sequence and standard US protocols
5. Develop hands-on skills for image acquisition and image optimization
6. Identify relevant sonographic landmarks, for the abdominal wall, pelvic floor, bladder, and lumbar multifidus on an ultrasound image
7. Make basic morphologic and morphometric measurements of anatomy and motor function including muscle thickness and post-void residual utilizing RUSI
8. Identify correct and incorrect motor control strategies utilizing RUSI for the abdominal wall, lumbar multifidus, and pelvic floor muscles
9. Understand how RUSI can contribute to clinical decision making to improve the management of patients with a variety of lumbopelvic dysfunctions
10. Identify pelvic organ prolapse, elevated PFM tension, poor pressure management, and behaviors contributing to incontinence
11. Be able to identify normal behavior of the pelvic floor during changes in pressure to include Valsalva, bearing down, and cough
12. Incorporate RUSI into a comprehensive program for the treatment of lumbar and pelvic health for male and female patients

Prerequisites: Licensed health care provider with a solid grasp of lumbopelvic anatomy, and rehabilitation of the muscles of local control. Prior ultrasound experience is not required. Pelvic floor training is required for participation in the transperineal labs.

(Equipment required for self-hosted option)

Course content is directed toward improving a clinician’s skill in the evaluation and treatment of lumbopelvic rehabilitation and is appropriate for all rehabilitation clinicians (Physical Therapists, PT Assistants, Occupational Therapists, and Certified OT Assistants). Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner’s state license or regulations.

Tuition: $575

Pathway® Ultrasound Imaging System users will receive a 10% course discount.

18.5 Contact Hours (Two hours of pre-recorded videos need to be completed prior to course onset). A post test will be taken after the course concludes for participants to generate
their course certificate.

Full Course Schedule | April 2-3, 2022

• Full Schedule (PDF)