The labs of the courses are critical components to the acquisition of skill and knowledge. You are required to participate in all labs. All participants should come prepared to be both "patient" and therapist during internal vaginal and/or rectal labs. (Note: rectal labs occur in Level 2 and 3). If you are unable to be a lab "patient" you may bring one or hire one.

Contradictions and special considerations

• PLEASE contact the SOWH office if you have any questions or are unsure you can be a patient.
• Menstruation is NOT a contraindication.
  • Instead (brand) Menstrual Cups are available as an option at the course.
• Contraindications to internal evaluation
  • Postpartum and post surgical less than 6 weeks
  • Atrophic vaginitis
  • Active infection
  • Pelvic pain which prevents evaluation
• Special circumstances
  • Pregnancy – please obtain permission from your physician to participate
  • Mild pelvic pain – notify the instructor at the beginning of the course of your condition.  Notify each lab partner of your condition and any helpful information before they start the examination. If you get sore, notify the instructor immediately. Having the instructor with you during the exam will help both you and your partner learn how to work with a patient who has pelvic pain.
• Speak with the instructor if you have any other concerns

 

Physical Therapy Lab Etiquette

Practicing of manual therapy skills requires short fingernail length. No specific lab clothes are required. Please read the Lab Etiquette document thoroughly before the course
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Providing a model

Male participants and female participants who cannot participate as a "patient" in the lab for any reason, must either bring a lab partner with them or hire a model.

1. All lab models should review the Pelvic Therapy course model information.   Please print this and share it with your model before the course (paid or volunteer).
2. Models will not be present in the room during lectures.  A schedule of times models are needed is available from the SOWH office

If you cannot provide your own lab partner or hire a model you will not be allowed to participate in lab or perform the skills testing for the CAPP.  PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CONTACT THE SOWH OFFICE BEFORE THE COURSE IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO FIND A MODEL TO HIRE. You will not be allowed to ask for volunteers at the course.  This is unfair to those who have paid for a model. 

You may be able to share a model with another course participant. Please contact the SOWH office to give permission to release your contact information to other participants who may be interested in sharing a model. You will need to discuss this with the SOWH office and your potential model when making arrangements.

If during the course you decide you are no longer able to actively participate in all labs, you must equally split the cost to pay a model that you share with other participants.

If you are interested in hiring a model, please contact the Section Office