Level of course – Intermediate

Target audience – PT, OT and orthotists/prosthetists

Course Objectives

After attending this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify evidence-informed pediatric interventions for patients with cranial, musculoskeletal, spinal, neuromotor, gait, and functional impairments.
• Describe clinical indications and treatment considerations for cranial remolding helmets, pediatric orthotic and prosthetic device options, scoliosis management, and gait abnormalities associated with cerebral palsy.
• Apply clinical reasoning to select appropriate interventions based on patient presentation, functional needs, and treatment goals.
• Analyze pediatric patient scenarios to support safe, appropriate, and patient-centered plans of care.
• Develop treatment planning considerations to improve alignment, mobility, function, and participation across pediatric clinical settings.

Statement designating how this course relates to the practice of physical therapy

• This course directly relates to the practice of physical therapy by enhancing therapists’ clinical knowledge and decision-making skills in the evaluation, management, and treatment planning of pediatric patients with cranial, musculoskeletal, spinal, neuromotor, gait, and functional impairments. Through review of evidence-informed pediatric interventions, including cranial remolding helmets, contracture management, orthotic and prosthetic options, scoliosis management, and gait abnormalities associated with cerebral palsy, the course supports physical therapists in developing safe, appropriate, and patient-centered plans of care. The content is applicable to physical therapy practice by promoting improved assessment, intervention selection, interdisciplinary collaboration, functional mobility outcomes, postural alignment, and participation for pediatric patients across clinical settings.

Statement of means/method for participants to demonstrate what they have learned

• Participants will demonstrate learning through active participation, case-based discussion, and completion of a post-course assessment. The assessment will address clinical indications, intervention selection, precautions, and treatment considerations for pediatric cranial, musculoskeletal, spinal, orthotic, prosthetic, and gait-related interventions.
• Break out session I will provide patient scenarios on lower extremity cases, the evaluation process based on their presentation and device options for treatment
• Break out session II will provide patient scenarios on cranial cases, the evaluation process, insurance requirements and device options for treatment