About Course

This two-hour webinar 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. (Intermediate Level)

PRESENTERS

Patricia (Trish) Martin, PT, Certified Kinesio Taping ® Instructor, is the Director of Therapy Services at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Rehabilitation. She has over 40 years of experience as a physical therapist. She specializes in lower extremity biomechanics, casting, splint fabrication, and taping in the treatment of children with orthopedic and neurological involvement. Trish has over thirty-five 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 Reeducation, 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, previously Chief of Occupational Therapy at La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago for 27 years. She is pediatric and adult NDT trained and specializes in upper extremity casting for adults and pediatrics. Audrey has over thirty 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.

OBJECTIVES

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

1. Introduce basic alignment considerations from infancy through adolescence affecting developmental milestones in children with BPI.

2. Discuss muscle imbalances affecting the whole body and implications for treatment.

3. Discuss how the involved arm in children with BPI can also affect other parts of the body.

4. Observe changes in motor skills from infancy through adolescence in children with BPI by viewing case series.

5. Discuss treatment interventions for children with BPI throughout development.

6. Discuss common issues in upper extremity, lower extremity, trunk, occurring in infants/children/adolescents with BPI.

7. Understand the use of casting, taping, and orthotics as a therapeutic intervention for children with BPI.

AGENDA

Pre-Study: 30 Minutes Plan to read the course materials, references and review the post test before the start time. Please be prepared to share patient case study and related question during the discussion time.

Time Increment - Topic - Instructional Method

25 min - Introduction: BPI description/assessments Lecture

35 min - Treatment Interventions: infants/toddler Lecture/Video

30 min - Treatment Interventions: school age/adolescent Lecture/Video

30 min - Case study, Q and A Summary Lecture/Video

Post-test: Research, identify, and submit your post test question answers on the online form. This is an open book test you can take multiple times if needed to obtain the 70% score