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The Physiotherapy Approach to Erectile Dysfunction

The Physiotherapy Approach to Erectile Dysfunction

The Physiotherapy Approach to Erectile Dysfunction

CA$35.00
This course includes
Lifetime access after purchase
Certificate of completion
This course was recorded in October 2023

Overview

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.. The overall prevalence of ED found in Canadian men aged 40-88 is nearly 50%, affecting approximately 3 million Canadian men over the age of 40. 

Pelvic physiotherapy plays a crucial role in helping patients achieve their goal of restoring erectile function. This evidence-based online course discusses the role of pelvic health physiotherapy in the assessment and treatment of ED using a biopsychosocial framework. 

ED can have both psychological and physiological roots, presenting diverse challenges for patients. Pelvic floor physiotherapists are uniquely positioned to offer effective treatment, especially for those dealing with ED following prostatectomy or radiation therapy. 

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the latest physiotherapy assessment techniques and evidence-based treatment strategies. Participants will explore standardized outcome measures and practical questionnaires that can be seamlessly integrated into clinical practice, enhancing both patient care and treatment.

Rehabilitation after prostatectomy demands a personalized approach, with numerous physiotherapy components to consider. This course will delve into the scientific evidence and physiological foundations behind various physiotherapy interventions. You’ll explore a range of treatments, including exercise, manual therapy, pelvic floor muscle training, penile vibratory stimulation, shockwave therapy, and more, all designed to enhance patient recovery and outcomes.

A key component of penile rehabilitation often involves the use of vacuum erection devices and penile rings. While these tools may initially seem intimidating, this course will thoroughly examine their risks, benefits, and contraindications, providing you with the knowledge to incorporate them effectively into your physiotherapy treatment plan. Additionally, we will address the challenges of navigating the complexities, stigma, and potential embarrassment that patients may experience when discussing ED.

 

Learning Objectives

In this online course, we will:

  1. Discuss the role of pelvic health physiotherapy as part of a multi-disciplinary team in a whole-person approach in the management of ED.

  2. Understand the anatomy and physiology of an erection.

  3. Examine ED using a biopsychosocial framework.

  4. Discuss assessment techniques including subjective sexual history taking and outcome measures.

  5. Learn about current evidence-based recommendations for physiotherapy treatment of ED.

  6. Understand the role, indications, and practical use of pro-erectile aids including vacuum erection devices and penile tension loops.

 

Audience

This course is designed for pelvic floor physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals who treat patients with erectile dysfunction, whether it stems from physiological or psychological causes. It also addresses the unique erectile challenges experienced by patients who have undergone prostatectomy or radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

The instructors
Pelvic Health Solutions

Pelvic Health Solutions (PHS) is an evidence-based teaching company that aims to educate and empower physiotherapists, healthcare professionals, and everyday people about pelvic health.

PHS was founded in 2010 out of the need to develop pelvic health resources in Ontario at a time when it was an under-serviced health concern. PHS provides continuing education courses, mentoring, and clinical resources for a variety of practitioners with the goal of equipping them to deliver evidence-based, biopsychosocial assessment and treatment of pelvic health problems in our province and abroad.

Our company also exists as a way to connect people experiencing pelvic health concerns to pelvic health physiotherapists in their area. PHS has ultimately blossomed into a community of curious people who are committed to providing hope and healing to those who suffer from pelvic health issues.


Sarah Marshall
BSc, MScPT

Sarah Marshall holds a Master’s of Physiotherapy with Merit from Robert Gordon University, Scotland, and a Bachelor’s of Science with Honours from the University of Western Ontario.

Sarah became passionate about pelvic health physiotherapy after working in a health & fitness setting with people who were pregnant or post-partum. She has since dedicated her continued training and professional development to the biopsychosocial treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction, including pelvic pain, urogenital dysfunction, paediatric pelvic floor dysfunction, gastrointestinal disorders, penile rehabilitation, sports-related pelvic floor dysfunction, oncology, and bowel & bladder dysfunction related to neurological disorders.

Sarah is a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and it’s Women’s Health, Pain Science, and Oncology Divisions, as well the International Urogynecological Association, the International Pelvic Pain Society and the International Continence Society.

Sarah presents a course in Oncology and the Pelvic Floor with Pelvic Health Solutions and has presented at the Current Obstetrical Management Seminars with the University of Calgary on Pelvic Examination of the Patient with Vulvovaginal Pain or Distress.

Material included in this course
  • Welcome and Resources
  • Welcome!
  • Slides (2 per page)
  • Slides (6 per page)
  • The Physiotherapy Approach to Erectile Dysfunction
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Prostate Cancer and Treatment
  • Physiotherapy Assessment for Erectile Dysfunction
  • Physiotherapy Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
  • Manual Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
  • Post Prostatectomy Rehabilitation
  • Vacuum Erection Devices
  • Penile Rings
  • Penile Vibratory Stimulation
  • Conclusions
  • Questions
  • Quiz
  • What's Next?
  • Feedback
FAQs

ED is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficiently for satisfactory sexual performance. It can be as a result of physiological/physical abnormalities or psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, depression or relationship issues. 

Physiotherapists offer a comprehensive range of services designed to enhance overall health and well-being. We can provide tailored exercise programs to boost cardiovascular health, addressing the essential connection between heart function and overall vitality. Additionally, we can create individualized pelvic floor muscle training regimens to fortify the muscles involved in erections. Physiotherapy scope of practice also includes administering muscle mobilizations for the release of connective tissues or providing soft tissue massages. For those undergoing penile rehabilitation, physiotherapists can prescribe and guide the use of vacuum erection devices and penile tension loops. Take this course to learn more about how vacuum erection devices and penile tension loops work!

Once you have completed the course, a certificate of completion (including learning hours and course information) will be generated. You can download this certificate at any time. To learn more about course certificates on Embodia please visit this guide.

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