Course description : 

This course develops clinical reasoning for the assessment and management of movement disorders and secondary musculoskeletal complications in cerebral palsy. It explores spasticity, impaired selective motor control, dystonia, choreoathetosis and ataxia, explaining how each presentation influences posture, movement, comfort and participation.

Learners will examine the development of contracture, hip displacement, orthopaedic change and pain, while recognising how these problems may affect mobility, self-care, sleep and family-assisted care. The course presents evidence-informed rehabilitation approaches, including goal-directed and task-specific training, strengthening, aerobic exercise, positioning, orthoses, equipment and environmental adaptation.

Medical and surgical pathways—including botulinum neurotoxin, oral medication, intrathecal baclofen, selective dorsal rhizotomy and orthopaedic surgery—are introduced with clear indications for escalation and multidisciplinary referral.

A complex clinical case integrates assessment findings, functional priorities, intervention selection, outcome measurement and long-term review. The course promotes individualised, family-centred management that prioritises function, participation, comfort and quality of life across the lifespan.
 

Learning objectives:

1. Analyse spasticity, selective motor control, weakness, dystonia and ataxia.

2.Link body impairments to activity, participation and pain.

3. Design goal-directed rehabilitation across GMFCS levels I–V.

4. Apply task practice, strength, fitness, balance, gait and coordination principles.

5. Explain orthotic, casting, medication, injection and surgical pathways.

6. Recognise secondary complications, red flags and surveillance needs.

7. Integrate the child or adult, family, school, equipment and MDT into decisions.

Duration: 2.0 hours

Target Audience:

• Physiotherapists
• Paediatric physiotherapists
• Occupational therapists
• Physiotherapy assistants
• Occupational therapy assistants
• Rehabilitation professionals
• Exercise professionals working with children and young people with physical disabilities
• Early-career clinicians developing confidence in paediatric neurological rehabilitation
• Any clinician involved in the assessment, rehabilitation, mobility, positioning, or long-term
• management of children and young people with cerebral palsy

Meet your presenter

Gehan Baalawi, BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, Dip. Health & Social Care

Gehan Baalawi is a conscientious and forward-looking physiotherapist known for her evidence-based approach and emerging expertise in geriatric care. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physiotherapy from the University of the West of England (UWE),Bristol, and a Diploma in Health & Social Care from SGS College—credentials that underscore her dedication to delivering holistic, person-centred care.

Her recent academic research explored the effects of deep slow breathing (DSB) versus spontaneous breathing on pressure pain thresholds in asymptomatic adults, measured using algometry on the tibialis anterior muscle. This work reflects her keen interest in non-invasive interventions that promote physiological resilience and pain modulation.

Clinically and academically, Gehan is invested in the use of validated screening tools, comprehensive assessment strategies, and integrated, multi-component interventions to support positive patient outcomes. She is deeply committed to empowering healthcare professionals by translating current research into practical, impactful physiotherapy education.

Complementing her clinical expertise, Gehan has completed additional training in Mental Health Care Fundamentals, Leadership Skills, and Well-Being and Self-Care—reinforcing her commitment to safe, inclusive, and compassionate practice. She is a registered member of both the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) in England.

Disclaimer: Our online physiotherapy CPD courses meet the criteria and guidelines for CPD (Continuing Professional Development). The CPD hours indicated on the certificate contribute towards fulfilling professional standards and requirements necessary for CPD audits conducted by the HCPC and AHPRA. These CPD hours are important for maintaining physiotherapy registration and ensuring compliance with the CPD audit and physiotherapy registration renewal processes. Our courses are recognized as valuable continuing education resources across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout Asia and the Middle East.