Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LaSpina)

Course overview

As children with neurodevelopmental disabilities progress through the lifespan, orthopedic impairments can be a limiting factor in progress towards functional mobility goals. Manual therapy interventions are an effective adjunct to traditional pediatric physical therapy and can be useful in caregiver education to increase compliance of home exercise programs. Clinicians can optimize therapy sessions with additional focus on joint mechanics and muscle imbalances that allow the child to more easily develop motor patterns needed to progress through the developmental spectrum. As the experts in the musculoskeletal system, therapists are uniquely positioned to incorporate hands-on techniques into pediatric therapy in order to maximize functional outcomes and progress towards goals. This workshop will combine intervention strategies commonly seen in the orthopedic setting with a traditional pediatric physical therapy focus on the developmental mobility spectrum. Participants will learn a general overview of how myofascial release, joint mobilizations and passive range of motion can impact progress towards functional goals, and how to incorporate these techniques into treatment sessions. Through a combination of lecture, observation, hands-on practice and case studies participants will learn hands-on strategies to maximize patient care and time in the clinic. Clinicians will be able to increase both the effectiveness of established therapeutic interventions, as well as to better educate caregivers on how to address muscle imbalances and restrictions at home.