An integrative and practical resource for physical therapists and patients to improve pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms It is estimated that the incidence of women with at least one pelvic floor disorder will nearly double from 28.1 million to 43.8 million by the year 2050. Incontinence affects one in three women between the ages of 15 to 65, between one and three out of 10 men in the same age range, and an estimated 14% of adolescents under age 15. Pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, weakness, imbalance or excessive tightness can cause debilitating symptoms in men and women that can significantly impact quality of life. Fitness for the Pelvic Floor, Second Edition builds on the popular prior edition by internationally acclaimed physiotherapist Beate Carrière with new clinical applications and contributions from coauthor Dawn-Marie Ickes on topics physical therapy students need to learn. The book starts with a section on anatomy and physiology of the pelvic floor, with discussion of breathing, muscles, tone differences, incontinence, and medications and nutrition. The second part features seven chapters detailing effective treatment options and exercises. Straightforward, simple exercises and heightened sensory awareness tips described in the text and presented in videos have proven to be the most efficacious treatment methods for many patients. Therapists will learn how to evaluate pelvic floor problems and develop and teach patients appropriate treatment strategies for specific situations, such as incontinence, dysfunctions after childbirth, and post-prostate surgery issues. Key Highlights Anatomical and physiological content and clear explanations of the correlation between breathing, the pelvic floor, and abdominal muscles enhance knowledge Easy-to-follow exercise routines focus on activating and relaxing pelvic floor muscles Definitions of essenti

Pilates for Children and Adolescents is the first comprehensive manual of guidelines and formal curriculum for teaching Pilates to young people. This book includes: * Guidelines for teaching Pilates to young people * Why Pilates is beneficial for children age 5 - 11 and adolescents age 12 - 18 * Crucial anatomical and cognitive development considerations for working with young people * Additional relevant topics designed to equip the Pilates teacher with tools for creating relevant and safe programs for different age ranges, such as: - safety considerations, exercise contraindications, scope of practice, and ethics - considerations for working in a variety of environments within both the public and private sectors - working with children with special needs - age appropriate exercises from the Pilates repertoire - a formal curriculum for teaching Pilates in schools including sample lesson plans - appendices which include the study results for the Pilates in the Schools PMAr initiative.