FROM PAIN TO PLEASURE:
Addressing Sexual Pain from a Functional Perspective
FROM PAIN TO PLEASURE:
Addressing sexual pain from a functional perspective
with special guest: Dee Hartman, PT, DPT
About the course
Chronic vulvar pain impacts millions of women of all ages, robbing them of their most innate and intimate experiences. This two-day course will begin with a review of vulvar pain generators across the lifecycle
Following an in-depth review of pertinent anatomy and function related to pain, suggested ideas for assessment and treatment will be reviewed, discussed, demonstrated, and practiced in lab. Sufficient lab time will be used for assessment and treatment of the abdomen and pelvis (both anterior and posterior) and will include the musculoskeletal, fascial, and visceral systems. As a last step in care for women with pain will be a complete overview of sexual anatomy and function. Included will be an updated review of anatomy and function of the clitoral complex (including a lab session for identification), overview of current knowledge on the physiological response of the pelvic floor muscles throughout arousal and orgasm, and complete perspective on the interplay of sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm. Participants will learn how sensuality and sexuality interact to help guide women of any age to the pleasure they all deserve. Ample time will be allowed for questions and discussion.
The Physical therapy approach to female urinary incontinence
(or equivalent Entry Level course in uro-gynecology)
November 2 & 3, 2024
IN PERSON - Clinic in Montreal, QC
Hours: 8:30 - 16:30 EST
$875 CAD (+ applicable taxes)
Course Objectives
1. Review of pertinent anatomy and function related to chronic vulvar pain
2. Summarize possible vulvar pain generators that occur across the lifecycle
3. Interpret findings of a comprehensive pelvic and abdominal assessment and how abnormal tension throughout the body can influence chronicity of vulvar pain
4. Appreciate exercises that may decrease vulvar pain prior to any type of penetration
5. Describe all components of the sexual arousal network and how they contribute to sexual function
6. Design and implement an appropriate sensual journey
7. Implement an effective treatment plan that allows patient to lead their own recovery
Course Schedule
08:30 – 10:30: Addressing sexual pain – vulvar disease and vulvodynia
10:30 – 10:45: Break
10:45 – 12:30: Normal pelvic floor muscle function Review of possible contributor to chronic vulvar pain
12:30 – 13:30: Lunch
13:30 – 15:00: Lab – Assessing for vulvar pain, instruction in 5 exercises, assessing pelvic visceral tone
15:00 – 15:15: Break
15:15 – 16:15: Sexual agency
16:15 – 16:30: Q&A
Day 2
08:30 – 09:00: Questions, review of Day 1
09:00 –10:30: Clitoral complex and arousal network
10:30 – 11:30: Lab – Examining the vulva
11:30 – 12:30: What is pleasure and does it matter?
10:45 – 12:30: Lunch
12:30 – 13:30: Intro abdominal anatomy and impact excess tension
13:30 – 14:45: Lab – Assessing abdominal tension, exploring typical releases
14:45 – 15:00: Break
15:00 – 16:15: Case studies, questions, discussion
16:15 – 16:30: Course eval, group photos
Your Instructor
Dee Hartmann, PT, DPT
Dee, an internationally recognized author, teacher, and speaker on the treatment of chronic vulvar pain, spent over 27 years devoting her private practice to treating women with chronic vulvar pain, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, and bowel & bladder disorders. She served the APTA’s Section on Women’s Health (Originating Chairman, Pelvic-CAPP; Vulvar Pain Task Force), the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD Fellow, Counselor; NA-ISSVD, President), International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS, board member); National Vulvodynia Association (NVA, board member); and is a Fellow, International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH). In 2017, she and Elizabeth Wood, MSW, CSSE, BC, co-founded VulvaLove and the Center for Genital Health and Education. Their focus is reframing the conversation around desire, arousal, pain, and pleasure. In July 2021, she and Elizabeth published, “The Pleasure Prescription: A Surprising Approach to Healing Sexual Pain”. She is married to her first love and childhood sweetheart, is the mother of 5 wonderful grown kids, and the lucky duck gramma of 9 of the most fabulous grandbabies in the whole world.
Don’t forget to add a bit of pleasure to every day!
Dee Hartmann, PT, DPT
International Speaker, Educator, and Author
Dee Hartmann Physical Therapy
Co-author, The Pleasure Prescription: A Surprising Approach to Healing Sexual Pain
Co-founder, Center for Genital Health and Education, Inc (www.genitalhealth.org)
Co-founder, VulvaLove, Inc (www.vulvalove.com)
Co-developer, www.pleasuremovement.com
Dee Hartman PT, DPT