Course Description:

This dynamic evolving course will concentrate on progressive, effective evaluation and treatment schemes for infants and young children with a diagnosis of torticollis with or without plagiocephaly, including challenging cases. The course is designed to provide therapists with current research and recommendations pertaining to the implications of torticollis, sleep posture and increased use of positional devices on infant postural and motor development. Current evidence-based clinical pathways and guidelines for management of torticollis and infant head shape, including Clinical Practice Guidelines from APTA - Section on Pediatrics, will be discussed and incorporated. Red flags for related early infancy and preschool diagnoses will be appraised. Current functional, clinically oriented evaluation and evidence based treatment strategies for infants and young children that can be integrated into routines and play will be provided. Diagnostic procedures and sur-gical intervention will be reviewed. Recommendations for follow-up and secondary specialist consultations will be presented. Emphasis on home exercise programs and effective strategies to team with parents will be explored throughout all 3 days.
   
Learning opportunities for therapists and medical professionals involved in pediatrics will transpire through lecture, case reports, group problem solving, video review, patient demonstration and lab practicum. Lab sessions will incorporate cervical mobilizations to address the persistent head tilt lingering in many toddlers. The extensive use of pictures and videos throughout the 3 days of intensive course materials will allow participates to problem solve and identify movement and tissue impairments related to the diagnosis of torticollis, providing functional ways to evaluate and treat torticollis, plagiocephaly and related diagnoses.