LIVE WEBINAR DATE AND TIME
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 4-5:30 pm CT

Note: If you are unable to attend the live event, you will be automatically enrolled in the on-demand version.  The on-demand version will be available six weeks after the live broadcast.

INSTRUCTORS (click on the name below to read faculty bio)
Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, WCS, BCB-PMD

DESCRIPTION
Every rehabilitation therapist, whether you are a specialist or a generalist, will encounter patients that have been profoundly affected by pregnancy, fourth trimester, perimenopause and/or menopause. These phases, more accurately described as “a continuum of life”, and the changes that occur with them encompass at least 50% of a female’s life. Understanding how the pelvic floor is an integral part of the entire musculoskeletal system will help all rehabilitation specialists better assess and treat conditions that occur during these lifetime changes. This webinar will discuss the continuum of pelvic health over a patent’s lifespan, the symptoms that can impact your patient and how it can impact your treatment plans. In addition, the effects of the musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause will be discussed to shed an entire new light on how patients respond to and tolerate treatment during perimenopause and menopause. Understanding the important connections between the pelvic floor, the core and overall health will be explored. We will also discuss improving communication between practitioners and building a team to improve the health of your patients.

LEARNER OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:  

1. Define core and pelvic floor muscles and how each component functions individually and as a group in our patient’s activities of daily living.
2. Identify and explain what the fourth trimester is and how it impacts and may change patient care plans for all physical therapists.
3. List at least 4-5 major conditions and symptoms that occur during pregnancy, fourth trimester and menopause to determine how they impact your assessments and treatments.
4. Describe basic screening tools in order to identify key symptoms that occur during the continuum of life in order to improve the ability to make appropriate referrals to pelvic physical therapy or other team members.
5. Define the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause and how it impacts and may change patient care plans.

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
Participants will be present during the live webinar in its entirety and complete an attendance verification and feedback survey in the Academy Learning Portal within one month of the live air date. 

AUDIENCE
Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Social Work and Speech-Language Pathologists

CONTINUING EDUCATION
Occupational Therapists: Check back soon!

Physical Therapists: This online course has been approved by the Illinois Physical Therapy Board for 1.5 Contact Hours. Approval #216-000069

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is recognized by California and the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education for 1.5 Contact Hours on 7/7/2026.

Many states accept continuing education contact hours recognized in other states, enabling professionals to use these hours to meet their licensing or certification requirements. Please consult your state regulations to see if this meets CEU requirements for your license.

Speech-Language Pathologists:
DISCLOSURES
Course Directors and Planning Committee Members:
Julie Lenkiewicz, MS, CCC-SLP Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Kolski, PT, OCS, Dip MDT Has nothing to disclose.
Leslie Marriott, OTR/L Has nothing to disclose.
Selah Bustamante, MSN, RN, CRRN Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Legreid, MSN, RN, CRRN, NPD-BC Has nothing to disclose.
Speakers, Moderators and Panelists:
Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, PT, WCS, BCB-PMD Has nothing to disclose.

ACADEMY POLICIES
For a complete list of Academy policies and technology requirements, click here.