Course Description:

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong neurological condition affecting movement, posture, and motor function. Although the original disturbance to the developing brain is non-progressive, the child’s

clinical presentation and functional needs may change considerably with growth, development, environmental demands, and the emergence of secondary musculoskeletal complications.

This comprehensive 1.5hr CPD course equips physiotherapists, occupational therapists, rehabilitation professionals, and assistants with the knowledge and practical skills required to

assess and manage children and young people with cerebral palsy. Participants will explore cerebral palsy subtypes, functional classification systems, movement disorders, standardised

assessment, goal setting, and evidence-based physiotherapy interventions. The course integrates the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF),motor-learning principles, family-centred practice, and the CanChild F-Words framework.

Clinicians will learn to design individualised, goal-directed rehabilitation programmes that address activity, participation, fitness, mobility, comfort, and prevention of secondary complications rather than focusing solely on muscle tone or movement normalisation. Through clinical frameworks and case studies across different Gross Motor Function

Classification System (GMFCS) levels, participants will develop confidence in strength training, task-specific practice, gait rehabilitation, positioning, orthotic management, tone management, hip surveillance, and multidisciplinary referral.

By the end of this course, participants will be equipped to deliver safe, evidence-based, developmentally appropriate, and person-centred physiotherapy management for children and

young people with cerebral palsy across clinical, educational, home, and community settings.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain cerebral palsy and its changing presentation across childhood.
• Differentiate the main cerebral palsy types and movement disorders.
• Apply the GMFCS, MACS, CFCS and EDACS appropriately.
• Conduct a structured, family-centred physiotherapy assessment.
• Select suitable outcome measures and meaningful functional goals.

Duration: 1.5 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

This course aligns with best-practice guidance and professional frameworks from:

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence: Cerebral palsy in under 25s –assessment and management (NICE NG62)
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence: Spasticity in under 19s – management (NICE CG145)
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence: Cerebral palsy in adults (NICE NG119)
• American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) Care Pathways
• CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research: GMFCS, GMFM, ICF, and F-Words resources
• World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
• Health and Care Professions Council Standards of Proficiency and Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics
• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy principles for evidence-based, person-centred, and inclusive physiotherapy practice
• The course supports evidence-based assessment, family-centred goal setting, functional rehabilitation, participation, musculoskeletal surveillance, and safe multidisciplinary management across childhood and transition into adult services.

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.