Persistent Pelvic Pain

Available
Coming soon
RANZCOG
RACGP
RNZCGP
ACRRM
ACNP endorsed
Introduction
Complex pelvic pain requires a whole-person approach. This evidence-based, clinician-led course equips you with practical skills to confidently lead multidisciplinary care for women experiencing PPP. Gain everything you need to know to make a real difference.
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course Overview
Educational
Activities
9
hours
Reviewing
Performance
1.5
hours
Measuring
Outcomes
5
hours
What you will get

Immediate access to video modules and downloadable resources

Case studies, tools, and handouts to use in practice

CPD certification upon completion

Mobile and tablet-friendly access

What you will Learn
  • Understand key differences between types and drivers of persistent pelvic pain
  • Identify symptoms and clinical features of common PPP conditions like endometriosis and pelvic floor dysfunction
  • Apply trauma-informed and culturally sensitive communication techniques
  • Conduct appropriate examinations and order relevant investigations with patient comfort in mind
  • Develop effective, patient-led management and self-care plans
  • Collaborate confidently with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive care
  • Navigate pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options
  • Recognise when and how to refer patients to specialists for further care
Course Outline
  • Develop a therapeutic relationship with patient-led goals and a focus on function
  • Recognise an appropriate trauma informed sexual history and use culturally- and LGBTQIA+ sensitive language
  • Work out pain drivers from patient history:
    • symptoms attributed to a presumptive diagnosis of endometriosis
    • pelvic floor muscular dysfunction and bladder pain syndrome
    • clinical features of pain sensitisation
  • Recognising and avoiding trauma with examination and investigation
  • Identify the tests involved in a STI screen for a patient presenting with PPP
  • Label the anatomy of neuromuscular involvement in PPP
  • Indications for specific investigations for gastrointestinal symptoms in PPP
  • Ways to reduce the limitations of transvaginal ultrasound
  • How to reduce pain with pain science education
  • Utilising resources for GP Care plans:
    • recognise a patient-friendly pain flare plan
    • produce a self-care plan for a patient with PPP
    • understand the importance of self-care for you as a practitioner while providing complex care
  • Identify with the role of Team Leader of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT)
  • Summarise the role of each member of the MDT in PPP
  • Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options for PPP
  • Appropriate referrals while maintaining care
  • Evidence-based dietary interventions for PPP
  • Exercises for pelvic floor muscle relaxation
  • Physical and psychological treatments to rehabilitate PPP
Clinical leads
Dr Emily Ware

Women's Health GP Specialist, FRACGP, DRANZCOG (Adv), MBBS (Hons), BMedSci

Emily has particular interest in vulvovaginal health, vulval skin conditions, endometriosis, pelvic pain, perimenopause, GP-led Pregnancy care, and IUD insertion. She is enthusiastic about helping women with all gynaecological issues including period problems and abnormal bleeding, polycystic ovarian syndrome

Rachel Andrew

APA Continence and Women’s Health Physiotherapist BSc Physiotherapy, Clinical Masters of Women’s Health, Certificate Conservative Management of Prolapse

Rachel began her career in neurological rehabilitation before completing further study in pelvic pain, endometriosis, bladder pain, prolapse, pain with sex and trauma-informed care. She works in private practice in her business, Pelvic Physio, and is co-founder of Vagenius Training.

Contributors
Clinical Professor Louise Owen

MBBS(Hons) FRACGP FAChSHM. Sexual Health Physician, Director State-wide Sexual Health Service, Clinical Professor, School of Medicine, UTAS

Dr Corrie Studd

Gastroenterologist MBBS, DMedSci, FRACP

Dr Kirsten Connan

Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Laparoscopic Surgeon (Adv) FRANZCOG BSc MBBS (Hons) DRANZCOG DDU (O&G) MClinEd (Hons)

Associate Professor Leesa Van Niekerk

Clinical Psychologist, Director of the University Psychology Clinics (UPC) located within the University of Tasmania

Dr Alison Deslandes

Specialist O & G Sonographer, PhD candidate, endometriosis researcher

Dr Amelia Mardon

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Reproductive Health at Western Sydney University, completing her PhD in pelvic pain at the University of South Australia

Emma Wuestner

Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD), Certified Fertility Dietitian & Prenatal Dietitian, BNutrDiet

Angela Vincent

Clinical Hypnotherapist, Registered Nurse, Post Graduate Cert Oncology Nursing, Diploma Clinical Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness Practitioner Diploma, EFT Practitioner

what the clinicians say

"

I feel more confident to lead the team and formulate a cohesive written plan for patients (PPP). I feel really confident now with examination - the presentations by Rachel Andrew were so fantastic.

"

Anna, GP
Persistent Pelvic Pain
participant

"

Very practical and easy to navigate.

"

Sue, GP
Persistent Pelvic Pain
participant

"

This gives me such a good structure around getting all the details dealt with. Usually, I have felt too overwhelmed by all the different aspects of someone with pelvic pain. This has helped me set up a more ordered pathway. Thank you.

"

Lynda, GP
Persistent Pelvic Pain
participant

"

Very helpful. Very relevant. Appropriate level for GP and very practical.

"

Dr J Bonny
Persistent Pelvic Pain
participant

"

This was an empowering experience to work through this CPD and to build up my own ‘toolkit’ and resources.

"

Dr A Edler, GP specialist
Persistent Pelvic Pain
participant
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Other available courses

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) affects up to 50% of women and can significantly impact quality of life. This structured course led by APA Women’s Health Physiotherapist Rachel Andrew provides practical clinical tools to identify POP early, support patient self-management, and apply evidence-based treatment strategies – all while addressing the emotional and physical realities of this common condition.

Learn more