Bio:

Sarah holds a Master’s of Physiotherapy with Merit from Robert Gordon University, Scotland. 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 treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction, including pelvic pain, urogenital dysfunction, gastrointestinal disorders, neurogenic bowel and bladder, penile rehabilitation, and paediatric pelvic floor dysfunction.

Sarah is a Lab Assistant and Instructor with Pelvic Health Solutions, delivering a course in Oncology and the Pelvic Floor.  Sarah has presented on various topics for organizations including the Obstetrical Management Seminars for the University of Calgary, Ostomy Canada Society, Pelvic Health Solutions, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. 

Rethinking the Second Stage of Labour: Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Strategies for the Pushing Phase of Birth - Anita Lambert

The pushing stage of birth (also known as the second stage of labour) is often glossed over in traditional birth classes, leaving many clients unprepared for what pushing may look or feel like.

This session equips pelvic health physiotherapists with practical, teachable strategies to help clients feel prepared going into the pushing stage and confident with their options during this part of birth. 

Topics will include:

• What the second stage is (passive vs active).
• The types of pushing (coached vs spontaneous).
• The timing of pushing (delayed vs immediate).
• Pushing position options (with and without an epidural).
• Perineal massage and pelvic floor relaxation techniques.

To bring these concepts into clinical practice, the session will include case study integration and interactive discussion, where participants will apply strategies to common scenarios they may encounter with pregnant clients. Attendees will leave with greater confidence in teaching about the pushing stage and equipping clients with practical ways to prepare for it.

Objectives:

• Explain the second stage of labour (passive/latent vs active) to clients.
• Teach clients about the types of pushing (coached vs spontaneous).
• Teach clients about the timing of pushing (delayed vs immediate).
• Demonstrate and explain pushing position options, with and without an epidural.
• Introduce and guide clients in perineal massage and pelvic floor relaxation strategies.
• Prepare clients in pregnancy with practical strategies and options for the pushing stage.
• Guide clients in asking questions of their care team in prenatal appointments and during birth.
• Support clients in feeling confident and empowered to make informed choices during the pushing stage of labour.

Bio:

Anita Lambert is a pelvic health and orthopaedic physiotherapist with a focus on perinatal care. She is the owner of Holistic Health Physiotherapy, creator of the Bump to Birth Method, cohost of the To Birth & Beyond podcast, and a mentor and coach to pelvic health physiotherapists worldwide.

Growing up as a ballet dancer and athlete, Anita was fascinated with how the body moves and heals. While completing her Kinesiology degree, she worked with McMaster University’s women’s rugby and basketball teams. Since becoming a physiotherapist, she has served as President of Healthy Dancer Canada and as on-site physiotherapist for Canada’s Ballet Jörgen.

Anita began her career in orthopaedics and, a few years in, expanded into pelvic health. Since then, she has focused her clinical practice on pregnancy, birth preparation, and postpartum recovery, while continuing to work with dancers and athletes of all levels during these stages of life. 

Having worked as a physiotherapist for over 15 years, she enjoys coaching and mentoring pelvic health physiotherapists who are diving into perinatal care — helping them expand their skill set, increase their confidence, and build thriving practices.

Outside of work, Anita enjoys strength training, yoga, Pilates, and spending time outdoors with her husband, daughter, and son.

When Constipation Doesn’t Resolve: What Might Be Missing? - Rachel Fobert

Pre- and Post-Operative Care for Men Undergoing Prostatectomy – More Than Just Kegels - Dr. Beth Shelly 

This 2-hour webinar will review the evidence-based treatment of men before and after prostate removal for cancer. This wholistic approach includes general exercise, diet and bowel care, activity restrictions, and a comprehensive pelvic floor muscle training program including strength, endurance and coordination. Clinical case examples will be discussed. Bring your questions and listen to the most up to date evidence on the treatment of these challenging cases. 

Objectives:

• Provide evidenced based description of male pelvic floor muscle contraction.
• List components of a comprehensive pelvic floor muscle training program for men before and after prostate removal.
• Develop a wholistic pre and post operative program for men undergoing prostatectomy for cancer including education and exercise.

Bio:

Dr. Beth Shelly PT, DPT, WCS, BCB PMD is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and board certified in Women's Health and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Biofeedback. Beth has been working in the field of women’s health for over 35 years and is the women's health editor for both "Pathology for Physical Therapists" and "Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists" textbooks. In 2010 Dr. Shelly started the Pelvic PT Distance Journal Club which now has over 1300 members all over the world and presents journal reviews monthly in English and Spanish. In addition, she has been active in setting standard terms and definitions with the International Continence Society (ICS) as past member of the Physiotherapy Committee and the Standardization Committee and an author and co-chair on three working groups including the recently published ICS standard terms for Pelvic Floor Muscle assessment. Dr Shelly is the physical therapy representative on the American Urological Association clinical practice guidelines on assessment and treatment of male pelvic pain recently published. She lectures to medical professionals all over the world and owns a private practice in the United States where she treats outpatients with all forms of pelvic floor dysfunctions.