Groups of 4-6 from the same facility = 5% discount

Groups of 7+ from the same facility = 10% discount

For more information, email kamassey@texaschildrens.org

This course will focus on therapeutic techniques used to facilitate improved alignment and muscle re-education for function for patients diagnosed with obstetrical brachial plexus injury (OBPI). Infants with OBPI are immediately identified at birth. The injuries most commonly occur as a result of a difficult birth. A thorough evaluation of the infant, child, or adolescent is critical to assess specific areas of weakness, abnormal movement patterns, and alignment of the whole body throughout the developmental lifespan. The occupational and physical therapists need an understanding of muscle function and development that occurs as the infant continues to mature and develop. The OT/PT will learn evaluation and intervention strategies for each stage of recovery throughout infancy, childhood, and teen years. The participants will be presented with a detailed overview of the anatomy of the initial nerve injury and the muscular and bony sequelae that often results in lifelong neuromuscular and orthopedic challenges. Developmental biomechanics in relation to treatment will be reviewed. Treatment interventions used for infant/child/adolescent may include: Kinesio tape®, Fabrifoam wraps, casting, orthotics, and Compression Orthotics.

Upon completion of this course the participant will be able to:

• Introduce basic alignment considerations from infancy through adolescence affecting developmental milestones, movement patterns, and function.

• Discuss muscle imbalances, affecting the whole body, in the infant and child with brachial plexus and implications for treatment.

• Observe changes in motor skills from infancy through adolescence in children with brachial plexus injury by viewing case series.

• Review treatment intervention options, including casting, taping, strapping, orthotics and handling throughout development.

• Demonstrate one taping and strapping technique for the upper extremity to improve reach and grasp for ADLs

• Demonstrate one strapping and taping technique for the trunk to improve sit balance, posture and symmetry for alignment.

• Demonstrate one strapping and taping technique for the lower extremity to improve step and stride length for community ambulation with peers.

• Describe functional implications of impairments seen in children with brachial plexus injury, with guidelines for goal-setting through the life span. Include recommendations for dosing therapy.
• Discuss common issues and impairments in upper extremity, lower extremity, and trunk, occurring in infants/children/adolescents with brachial plexus injuries.

Patricia (Trish) Martin, PT, Certified Kinesio Taping ® Instructor, retired as the Director of Therapy Services at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital for Rehabilitation. She currently works in private practice, treating, consulting and teaching. She specializes in lower extremity biomechanics, casting, splint fabrication, and taping in the treatment of children with orthopedic and neurological involvement. Trish has over forty years of experience in private practice, hospital, and clinic settings. She has experience in treatment of adults and children with neurological and orthopedic issues, as well as athletes. She has written articles on the use of Kinesio Tape ® in the pediatric population. She is pediatric NDT trained. Trish has presented courses on Therapeutic Taping ® for Alignment and Muscle Re-education, Adult Kinesio Taping ® Fundamentals and Whole Body Techniques, Kinesio Taping ® in Pediatrics, Pediatric Gait, and Interventions for Children with Brachial Plexus Injuries.

Audrey Yasukawa, MOT, Certified Kinesio Taping ® Instructor, retired as Chief of Occupational Therapy at Larabida Children's Hospital and now works as a consultant and teacher. Previously Chief of Occupational Therapy at La Rabida Children's Hospital in Chicago and supervisor at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. She is pediatric and adult NDT trained and specializes in upper extremity casting for adults and pediatrics. Audrey has over forty years of experience as an occupational therapist in a rehabilitation center and pediatric hospital setting. She has published numerous research articles on the use of Kinesio Tape ® in the pediatric population. Audrey has presented courses on Upper Extremity Casting, Spasticity Management, Adult Kinesio Taping ® Fundamentals and Whole Body Techniques, and Kinesio Taping ® in Pediatrics, and Interventions for Children with Brachial Plexus Injuries.

7:30-8:00 Course Registration & Sign-in/Continental Breakfast

8:00-8:15 Introduction

8:15-9:30 Developmental Biomechanics/Anatomy related to brachial plexus injury

Trunk/Upper Extremity/Lower Extremity

9:30-10:15 Brachial plexus injury: description, assessment and grading, developmental implications

10:15-11:15 Assessment and Treatment: Infant/ Toddler with BPI

11:15-12:15 Assessment and Treatment: School-Age Child/ Adolescent with BPI

12:15-12:45 Lunch (on your own)

12:45-1:15 Case studies

1:15-3:30 Strapping and taping labs: Trunk/ UE/ LE

3:30-3:45 Wrap up and questions