2024 ROCKY MOUNTAIN ANNUAL CONFERENCE & PT EXPO

This presentation will provide attendees with a review of primitive reflexes and milestones in early infancy through the progression to early childhood, discuss the interplay between feeding and motor development, and offer evidence-based treatment interventions to support the transition from reflex-driven movement to voluntary movement patterns. A review of current literature, case scenarios, and demonstration of hands-on techniques will be utilized via lecture, review of videos, and in-person demonstration of techniques.

This educational session is designed to understand the development of the diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles (PFM) as it relates to core function and continence in children. Special needs children or those with musculoskeletal asymmetries frequently have a weak core, postural compensations and develop poor bowel and bladder habits. Did you ever consider activating a child’s pelvic floor musculature to increase their core strength and control, and improve their functional ability? Learn how to connect the ribcage, the diaphragm, and the pelvic floor for proper core activation. Focus on assessment and treatment of the core/breathing and the PFM in a school-based setting will be provided. This includes how to identify constipation and/or dysfunctional voiding habits and understanding how managing constipation can improve posture core control and breathing. The information presented in the course applies to children who have been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, ASD, Hypotonia and more.

This presentation will provide an evidence-based, current look at neurodiversity in relation to the impact and delivery of care in pediatric physical therapy settings. The class will involve breaking down the current barriers to providing neurodiversity affirming physical therapy practices including persistent myths, educational trends, and provider knowledge across disciplines. This class will be delivered in a lecture format with activities and reflective questioning to highlight concepts.

The goals of this presentation are to introduce the concept of physical literacy including differentiating between physical activity, fitness, and literacy and discuss the relevance to the pediatric population in the state of Colorado. We will review methods in which patients, particularly pediatric patients, learn movement patterns, motor control, and strengthening activities. This will include background on long-term athletic development and motor-learning principles throughout youth development. The current state of youth sports and the problems with sports specialization will also be discussed. We will suggest specific examples and methods to improve physical literacy throughout Physical Therapy practice. We will also educate on the prevalence of inactivity in the United States and provide tools to address inactivity in the pediatric population as well as education for improvements in clinical practice and educational opportunities for therapists to use for patients and families.