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Posture and Torso Alignment for Pediatric Neuromotor Training

A Certified TheraTogs™ Fitter (CTF) Level I Course with Supporting Sciences & Strapping Strategies

This introductory program features a review of relevant pediatric orthopedic issues and sciences pursuant to neuromotor re-education for posture and torso alignment, including:

• Skeletal modeling mechanisms and influences
• The role of the somatosensory system in postural control acquisition and movement
• Fundamentals of S.A. Sahrmann’s muscle balance theory
• Practice-related skills acquisition

Attendees will validate their understanding of these principles and issues in the afternoon lab session, using the TheraTogs Posture & Torso Alignment system. Grouped in teams of three, attendees will be guided through a series of donning and strapping applications that demonstrate the biomechanical principles and management techniques reviewed in the morning session.

Attendees who successfully complete the on-site practicum exam will receive a Certified TheraTogs Fitter (CTF) Level I credential, and are qualified to attend the Level II workshop on the following day.

ProCert has awarded certification to Certified TheraTogs Fitter Level 1 (CTF 1).

Approval pending through FSBPT for Certified TheraTogs Fitter Level 2 (CTF 2).

Wearable Therapy: TheraTogs™ Systems, Uses, & Scientific Foundations

A 3.5-Day Didactic Program

Facilitator: Beverly Cusick, PT, MS, NDT, COF/BOC

Day 1 of this program features an overview of sciences of neuromotor and orthopedic development including established principles of kinesiology and biomechanics, physiologic adaptation of body tissues to routine use, new developments in motor learning, and the role of the somatosensory system in this process. The instructor demonstrates the implementation of the sciences in an introduction to TheraTogs Orthotic Garment and Strapping Systems as a modality for expanding successes in therapy sessions into daily life to optimize functioning alignment and stability, and reviews published research.

Day 2 of this program expands upon the introductory content presented on Day 1 with a discussion of skeletal modeling mechanisms and the achievement of postural control as a foundation for movement acquisition. She explores the nature of muscle tone and the relationship of muscle tone to routine use, both typical and pathologic. The program ends with suggestions for using TheraTogs in early intervention to optimize resting postures and the acquisition of essential ingredients for postural control.

Day 3 of this program applies the content from Days 1 and 2 and delves into functioning alignment issues related to the spine, the ankles, and unequal limb length. After demonstrating the Dragonfly TLSO and the molding and fitting process, the instructor reviews the assessment of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion as an important component of optimizing the support base with orthotics. She brings ankle ROM to discussions of postural control deficits and functioning malalignment as they occur in children with idiopathic toe walking, equinus deformity, hemiplegic cerebral palsy, and scissor gait. The program ends with a discussion of the typical development of the hip joint and femur in the transverse plane with a lab session devoted to distinguishing between femoral anteversion and antetorsion.

Day 4 is a half-day program that applies the content from Days 1-3 and is devoted to the biomechanical and developmental factors inherent in intoed and out-toed gait. Instructor reviews the related – and refined – musculoskeletal assessment procedures of hip rotation ROM, modified Ryder’s Test for femoral torsion, and the Thigh-Foot Angle and applies the findings to the safe use of TheraTogs strapping applications. The didactic program ends with suggestions for further research.