Hi, .
In this video I will show you how to significantly improve the functional mobility of the shoulder girdle. If you have any questions or comments then feel free to share in the comment box at the bottom of the page.
Treating the School-age Child: Assessing and Gaining Spinal Mobility
May 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Checking spinal mobility with a 13 year old child with CP spastic quadriplegia in the school environment….
Utilizing a bolster that allows the child to sit with hips and knees flexed at 90 degrees is very helpful in that the equipment will fully support the child’s weight while you assess their spinal flexion curve by having them flex forward against the bolster.
Fig. 1
Spread your hands and place them in the apex of the spinal flexion curvature on the child’s back being careful not to cross over their spine with your hands. Lean into the child’s back with your shoulders over your hands and use intermittent firm pressure downward to gently decrease the flexion curve by gaining flattening of the spinal curve under your hands. Gradually move upward and downward from the apex of the curvature with 4-5x downward pressure through your hands. [Read more...]
Continuing Education Coordinator Lana Phillips Recommends Kristen Birkmeier
April 15, 2011 By 1 Comment
Continuing Education Coordinator Lana Phillips recommends that anyone who is looking to bring in a great speaker and trainer for workshops should hire Kristen Birkmeier. She’s easy to work with and always provides great hands-on instruction during the labs. Attendees always have favorable reviews for Kristen’s training sessions.
Pediatric Therapists Balance Challenge with Fun
April 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Effective treatment with children who demonstrate neuro-motor dysfunction other neurological involvement requires that as pediatric therapists, we engage them in meaningful activities that are fun, motivating, and challenging. Hitting the target and finding a “happy medium” requires that we have established trust and rapport with both the child and his caregivers, and have come to know what delights, challenges, and motivates the child. [Read more...]
Lynn Rupert Recommends Pediatric Therapy Training by Kristen Birkmeier
March 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Physical Therapist Lynn Rupert tells other Physical Therapists why they should get training by Kristen Birkmeier of Pediatric Therapy Training.com
Fabricating Shoe Inserts for a Young Child
March 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Presented by
Kristen Birkmeier, MSPT
Hi, .
In this video presentation, I will introduce you to a 2½ year old little boy named Henry. I met him and his mother during a workshop demonstration. Henry has bilateral flat feet with forefoot pronation. You will learn how to assess and fabricate shoe inserts to correct the malalignment of his feet.
The casting material I use and recommend is J&J Delta-Lite FlashCast Elite® casting tape (2” rolls) with the Teddy Bear pattern. See below a listing of all materials used, as well as some of the many websites where you can purchase the materials used in the video.
RehabMart.com
Dema Grip Compression Stockinette
2” Size A Natural
Item No. NC-42500 $43.39
Roylan Latex-Free Moleskin
9” x 4 yds. Beige
Item No. SP-5545721 $58.76
Extra Soft Splint Padding
¼” x 8” x 12” – Pack of 5
Item No. SP-55320205 $44.16
eGeneralMedical.com
J&J (Fiberglass Free casting tape)
FlashCast Elite® Teddy Bears
2” x 4 yds. 10 rolls/box
Item No. CEP-JJ4082 $143.99
KVsupply.com
Lister Bandage Scissors (floor grade)
Stainless Steel 4½”
Item No. 81637 $4.49
Northerntool.com
Gerber Folding mini Utility Knife
Model No. 22-00804 $8.99
Amazon.com
EMT First Aid Trauma Utility Shears
Bandage Scissors $5.80
Additional Supplies Needed:
- 1 adult aluminum finger splints – 12 inch length (cut in half lengthwise and widthwise)
- ½” silk tape (available at most pharmacies)
- latex-free gloves (available at most pharmacies)
- 2” ace bandage (available at most pharmacies)
- crayon
- plastic container for water (approximately 6” wide and 6“ deep)
The Use of External Supports in Pediatric Therapy
March 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
I’m often asked by participants in my workshops to discuss external supports that I use to augment and extend my handling skills when treating the children in my pediatric physical therapy practice. We all learn tricks of the trade so to speak as we develop and refine our clinical skills throughout our professional careers. Over the years I’ve learned to utilize many supports that work very effectively to enhance a child’s functional ability both during and between therapy sessions. Let’s take a look and I’ll highlight some of my favorite external supports for you… [Read more...]
Nicole Lauer Recommends Pediatric Therapy Training by Kristen Birkmeier
February 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Nicole Lauer tells us what she liked best about the conference and hands-on workshops by Kristen Birkmeier of Pediatric Therapy Training.
The Importance of Teamwork in Treating the Pediatric Patient Part 1
February 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The beauty of the NDT approach for me has always been the common sense and practical approach to assessment and treatment.
NDT provides us with a rational framework for identifying the sensorimotor impairments that each child demonstrates, tying these impairments to the child’s functional limitations, and designing specific treatment strategies to effectively address the child’s impairments in order to effect positive functional outcomes.
Learning to utilize this analytical process enables you to break down what often appears to be a challenging and overwhelming task for young therapists in assessing and treating children with neuromotor dysfunction. Knowing that you are not alone but a member of a pediatric team of therapists working together to effect positive results is very reassuring. [Read more...]