To Pee or Not to Pee: Bowel & Bladder Function in Patients with Neurologic Issues
DESCRIPTION
Patients that are being treated for neurologic dysfunction have a variety of therapy services offered to them. Many physicians and therapists overlook bowel and bladder concerns for these patients as an untreatable side effect. There are a variety of behavioral and pelvic floor interventions that can be applied to this patient population. This masterclass will present the common bowel/bladder and sexual side effects that patients can experience with diagnoses of stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, Spinal Cord Injury and Parkinson’s Disease. Medical treatments of bowel and bladder dysfunction in the neurogenic population will be delineated. The webinar will then explore behavioral interventions that therapists and caregivers can apply to be able to alleviate some of the quality-of-life impact that these dysfunctions can have. Therapists will leave this power talk with knowledge of the screening maneuvers used in these clients and basic advice that can be given to this population of patients.
LEARNER OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Participants will be able to connect the anatomy and physiology of micturition to the neuroanatomical issues experienced by patients with MS, SCI, CVA and Parkinson’s disease
- Participants will be able to design a basic educational treatment plan for bowel and bladder programming for patients with neurologic issues
- Participants will be able to evaluate the impact that bowel and bladder issues are having on their clients with neurologic issues.
INSTRUCTOR
Carina Siracusa, PT, DPT, WCS, OnCS
SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
Participants will watch the on-demand recording in its entirety and complete an assessment and feedback module in the Academy Learning Portal. You will have three months from the date of purchase to complete and review the course material. You will receive a reminder email two weeks before the expiration date.
AUDIENCE
Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
Nurses:
Occupational Therapists:
The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 05174. This distance learning interactive webinar is offered at .15 CEUs [intermediate, OT service delivery/ Foundational Knowledge]. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.
Physical Therapists:
The Illinois Physical Therapy Board has approved this course for 1.5 Contact Hours. Approval #216-000069
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 2/6/2026.
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.
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, OT Has nothing to disclose.
Pamela Pfeifer, MS, RN, NPD-BC Has nothing to disclose.
Speakers, Moderators and Panelists’ Disclosure Information:
Carina Siracusa, PT, DPT, WCS, OnCS Has nothing to disclose.
ACADEMY POLICIES
For a complete list of Academy policies and technology requirements, click here.
