Pediatric Pelvic Health: Level 2 – Advanced Clinical Reasoning for Complex Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction
This Level 2 pediatric pelvic health course is designed for physical and occupational therapy clinicians who already evaluate and treat pediatric bowel and bladder dysfunction and are seeking to advance their clinical reasoning, assessment, and intervention skills for complex and chronic presentations. The course emphasizes a whole-body, systems-based approach to care for children whose symptoms are persistent, recurrent, or have plateaued with standard treatment.
Building upon foundational concepts introduced in Level 1, this course progresses beyond symptom-focused management toward advanced clinical decision-making, movement and occupational analysis, and pattern recognition across body systems. Participants will integrate musculoskeletal, respiratory, neurologic, vascular, lymphatic, and psychosocial factors as they relate to bowel and bladder function, functional toileting participation, and daily routines. Emphasis is placed on evaluating the child as an integrated system rather than isolating pelvic floor dysfunction.
Through lecture, case-based learning, clinical demonstrations, and treatment videos, participants will develop advanced, scope-appropriate skills to manage complex pediatric conditions including chronic constipation, encopresis, enuresis, disorders of gut–brain interaction, and post-surgical bowel dysfunction. The course highlights interdisciplinary collaboration, family-centered care, and evidence-informed clinical reasoning to support efficient care delivery, reduce fragmented referrals, and improve functional outcomes and participation for children and their families.
References:
- Robin SG, Keller C, Zwiener R, et al. Prevalence of Pediatric Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Utilizing the Rome IV Criteria. J Pediatr 2018; 195:134.
- Zeevenhooven, J, Koppen I, Benninga, M. The new Rome IV criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders in infants and toddlers. Pediatric gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. January 2017.
- Chase J, Lewina S. childhood incontinence and pelvic floor muscle function; can be learned from adult research? J Ped Urol (2017) 13, 94-101
- Zar-Kessler C, Kuo B, Cole E, Benedix A, Belkind-Gerson, J. Benefit of pelvic floor physical therapy in pediatric patients with dyssynergic defecation constipation. 2019 Dig Dis
- Evidence-Informed Statement: “Content is based on current literature, clinical practice guidelines, and professional consensus.”
How This Course Builds on Level 1
Pediatric Pelvic Health Level 2 expands upon foundational evaluation and treatment principles by introducing:
- Advanced clinical reasoning for complex and chronic cases
- Whole-body integration rather than isolated symptom management
- Pattern recognition across systems influencing bowel and bladder function
- Advanced assessment strategies to guide individualized treatment planning
Participants will learn to move beyond protocol-based care toward adaptable, system-driven decision making for children with persistent dysfunction.
Key Content Areas
Participants will receive advanced instruction in the following areas:
- Advanced assessment of rib cage mechanics, diaphragm function, and pressure regulation systems
- Whole-body movement pattern analysis as it relates to pelvic floor coordination and bowel/bladder function
- Updated pediatric considerations for diastasis recti and intra-abdominal pressure management
- Disorders of gut–brain interaction and their relationship to movement, posture, and function
- Chronic constipation and complex bowel presentations
- Safe, collaborative medication, supplement, and dietary titration in coordination with medical providers
- Clinical reasoning for laxative titration, including evidence-based principles and practical application
- Treatment considerations for Hirschsprung’s disease, anorectal malformations, and post-operative bowel training
- Abnormal breathing patterns, including abdominal–phrenic dyssynergia
Advanced Skills and Clinical Applications
Within scope of practice and where clinically appropriate, participants will learn:
- External anorectal and pediatric perineal pelvic floor muscle assessment
- Indications and patient selection for rectal balloon training
- Functional defecation positioning to optimize breathing and pelvic floor relaxation
- Manual neuromuscular techniques targeting the abdominal wall, rib cage, and visceral system
- Clinical interpretation and implications of perianal sEMG findings
The course includes goal-specific pediatric treatment videos, hands-on clinical strategies, and complex case studies to support advanced clinical reasoning.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Analyze complex pediatric bowel and bladder dysfunction by identifying impairments in body systems, movement patterns, and contextual factors that limit functional toileting and daily participation.
- Differentiate breathing strategies, postural control, movement coordination, and pressure management patterns that contribute to persistent constipation, encopresis, and enuresis.
- Integrate advanced assessment findings related to rib cage mechanics, diaphragm function, abdominal wall performance, and whole-body movement into individualized, function-based intervention planning.
- Apply advanced clinical reasoning to select and progress interventions that support toileting routines, sleep, school participation, mobility, and caregiver carryover.
- Evaluate external pelvic floor assessment findings and perianal sEMG data, within professional scope of practice, to guide intervention selection and progression.
- Design evidence-informed, family-centered treatment plans that reduce fragmented care and promote functional independence and participation for children with bowel and bladder dysfunction.
A total of 8 hours involves evaluative procedures to treat a person without a referral.
Instructional Level
This is an intermediate level course.
Target Audience
This course is intended for licensed clinicians who are already evaluating and treating pediatric bowel and bladder dysfunction, including those who regularly see children with constipation, encopresis, enuresis, or combined bowel and bladder conditions that are slow to resolve, recurrent, or resistant to traditional approaches.
This is an intermediate to advanced (Level 2) course and assumes prior education or experience in pediatric pelvic health evaluation and treatment.
This course is appropriate for physical therapists, occupational therapists, pediatric nurse practitioners and medical doctors and other health care professionals interested in expanding their practice in pediatric bowel and bladder disorders.
Content is not intended for use outside the scope of the learner's license or regulation. Physical/occupational therapy continuing education courses should not be taken by individuals who are not licensed or otherwise regulated, except, as they are involved in a specific plan of care.
Educational Relevance
Despite the high prevalence of pediatric bowel and bladder dysfunction, many rehabilitation providers report limited formal training in pediatric pelvic health. This course addresses a critical practice gap by providing evidence-informed evaluation and treatment strategies to improve continence outcomes and quality of life for pediatric patients and their families in addition to providing medical- legal support for yourself and your patients.
Course Curriculum
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours is the course?
The course includes 11 hours of continuing education broken up into bite sized modules.
How long does it take to finish the course?
How long the course takes is up to you - you can go at your own pace and your own convenience.
What is included in the course?
See the Course Curriculum for a detailed course outline.
How long will I have access to the course?
You will have lifetime access to the course.
Will I get CCU/CEU credit?
In the course curriculum I have a free preview of the CCU/CEU fact sheet.
Will I get access to the full course all at once?
Yes.
Do I have to take a test to pass?
Yes. Learning outcomes will be assessed via a quiz at the completion of the course and you must pass with 70% or better to obtain your certificate of completion.
Can more than one person view the course with one login?
Please contact me if you have several students in your practice, as discounted pricing is possible! In general, I offer a 10% discount for 3 more participants and 15% off for university students. Other considerations include adding a group mentoring hourly rate for a post-course debriefing – let’s talk!
Otherwise, no, the courses are designed to be for one person, and one email login. Only one course CEU certificate is issued to the original person/email login for the purchase price. Original logins cannot be transferred to other emails/persons.
What's the difference between a Live Course and Teachable Course?
The teachable courses are what we call "evergreen" meaning they are always available for you to watch as often as you want and includes updates as they are available. The lectures are recorded by me, and you have an opportunity to ask questions online after each lecture.
Live Courses are either in person or done on Zoom with the ability to ask questions throughout the course. The didactic portions of the course are given prior to the live course which includes approximately 6 hours of online videos. There is no availability to re-watch the lectures after the course.
How do we avoid online fatigue?
All lessons are video lessons
Virtual Labs with talk through interactive activities to practice new technique
Video recording of patient evaluations and treatment programs
Video recorded lectures on case studies of patient evaluations and progressions
Lectures can be stopped and started as needed!
Refunds/cancellations?
Refunds are available within 14 days of purchase if you have not initiated the course.
Accessibility
For questions regarding course support or accessibility please email us at info@kidsbowelbladder.com for accomodations.
What do I do if I need help?
If you need help with something related to the course, please email info@kidsbowelbladder.com.
You also have opportunities to provide your feedback, ask questions, and make comments as you go.
Thanks!
Disclosure Statement
The instructor has no relevant financial relationships, conflicts of interest, or commercial affiliations to disclose. This course does not promote proprietary products or commercial bias.
Bundle and Save!
Bundle with other courses for extra savings!
See below for pricing!
Dawn Sandalcidi PT, RCMT, BCB-PMD
Financial Disclosure:
Financial— Receives speaking fees from all of her Pediatric Bowel and Bladder Courses
Nonfinancial— No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Here's what people are saying about this course!
"I found this course very beneficial and exceeded my expectations for an online experience."
"This course was great. This was my first remote course and I learned just as much as I would have normally. It was actually very nice to not have to travel and be within my own home. Thank you for making it an option! I’d love to see more remote courses in the future!"
"This course was excellent!!! The instructor, the presentation, the handouts, the supplemental education was so very organized, easy to follow, immediate applicable and thought provoking. All of this made a great course!! Thank you!"
"Dawn is warm and kind and such an authority on this subject, really wonderful course. Thank you!"
"Dawn was incredible and despite the alternative learning format, I had a great experience and immense benefit from taking this course!"
"One of the best courses I’ve ever taken. Good amount of material and able to communicate it effectively. I was able to apply techniques immediately on my first day back to work."
MEET DAWN
Dawn is a trailblazer in the field of Pediatric Pelvic Floor dysfunction. She is a national and international speaker in the field, and she has learned so much from sharing experiences with her colleagues around the globe.
She LOVES seeing patients which she has done now for 42 years and she sees no sign of retirement in her future!
She is also a mentor for newly trained therapists to help them navigate this new and amazing world of pediatric pelvic health.
PEDS Levels 1 & 2 UPDATES
If you have already taken Peds 1 or Peds 2 live courses with Dawn years ago these updates with new research and techniques are for you!
You will have access to the newest course(s) with a lifetime of "refreshers" online for only USD $197 EACH.
Proof of Course Completion Required!
Please contact Dawn by clicking: info@kidsbowelbladder.com and attach your certification proof to receive your personalized coupon code(s) to enroll in these courses.
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