Contact hours: 24

Course Overview:  A multidisciplinary approach to Bowel dysfunction or disorders allows for the management of multiple factors simultaneously including pharmacologic management, psychosocial issues, medical-surgical decisions, and physical therapy rehabilitative intervention and urogynecologic components of the patient's symptom cluster.  A linear approach can often lead to unsatisfactory management of this complex patient type because success in one discipline may require the intervention of others to be effective. Availability of multiple services simultaneously allows for a comprehensive intervention strategy tailored to each patient's needs at any given period of time throughout the rehabilitative process.

 Objectives:

Upon completion of this seminar, participants will be able to:

1.     Define organic lower gastrointestinal disease and lower functional gastrointestinal disorders.

2.     Recognize each discipline's role in assessment of the patient with lower gastrointestinal dysfunction or disorders including specialized testing.

3.     Identify potential medical “red flags” that warrant referral to the appropriate physician.

4.     Recognize each discipline's role in treatment of the patient with lower gastrointestinal dysfunction, especially the psychosocial component as well as the expanded roll of physical therapy management.

5.     Demonstrate appropriate physical therapy examination and intervention techniques for patients with functional bowel disorders.

6.     Identify potential “yellow flags” that warrant monitoring and potential medical co-management during the course of physical therapy care.

7.     Understand and implement an algorithm for differential diagnosis of musculoskeletal impairments, functional movement dysfunctions, and peripheral as well as central sensitization considerations when treating individuals with functional gastrointestinal disorders.

7.     Discuss the comprehensive management of patients with functional bowel disorders within a case study format.

Audience:

Seminar content is targeted to physical therapists. Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation. Clinical continuing education should not be taken by individuals who are not licensed or otherwise regulated.

This course has been approved for 24 CE hours by the Illinois Physical Therapy Association - Approval 647-6551

This course content is not intended for use by any participants outside the scope of their license or regulation.