Orthopaedic Physiotherapy for Children with Cerebral Palsy

Practical, evidence-informed guidance to support children and families through surgical decision-making, rehabilitation, and long-term outcomes.

Evidence-informed clinical content Focused on real-world decision-making Immediately applicable in practice

Why Orthopaedic Decision-Making in CP Feels So Complex

Children with cerebral palsy experience evolving musculoskeletal changes that influence movement, function, and long-term quality of life. Therapists are often expected to guide assessment, interpret evidence, and support families through difficult surgical and rehabilitation decisions—yet practical, clinically focused training is limited.

This course was created to provide clear, confident clinical direction grounded in both research and real-world pediatric practice.

A Practical Framework for Real Clinical Life

Participants gain the knowledge and clinical reasoning needed to confidently support children with CP across assessment, surgical pathways, and rehabilitation.

Participants will learn to:

Understand common orthopaedic surgeries in CP
Interpret gait, function, and timing of intervention
Support families through complex decision-making
Plan meaningful post-operative rehabilitation
Connect current evidence to everyday clinical care

Format

2-day live virtual course

Audience

Pediatric physiotherapists and rehabilitation clinicians

Level

Entry level to advanced

Includes

Slides, clinical tips, resources, and certificate of completion

Learning Objectives

Orthopaedic Foundations

Explain the natural history of musculoskeletal change in CP
Identify common contractures, deformities, and alignment concerns
Perform comprehensive orthopaedic assessment including ROM, tone, torsion, and radiographs

Surgical Decision-Making

Describe common orthopaedic surgeries including hip procedures, SEMLS, and foot surgery
Interpret gait findings to inform surgical timing
Apply evidence to conservative vs surgical management decisions

Rehabilitation & Outcomes

Plan effective post-operative rehabilitation
Support long-term functional outcomes and participation
Integrate evidence into everyday clinical reasoning

This Course Is Designed For

Pediatric physiotherapists
Rehabilitation clinicians working with CP
Therapists supporting surgical pathways
Clinicians seeking deeper orthopaedic confidence

Schedule

Day 1 — Orthopaedic Assessment and Hip Health

Focus on foundational assessment and early musculoskeletal change.

Topics include:

Assessment of tone (MAS, Modified Tardieu, HAT) and range of motion
Evaluation of torsional alignment and structural variation
Identification of common hip, knee, foot, and spinal concerns
Hip displacement: surveillance, prevention, and treatment
Hip surgery and principles of post-operative rehabilitation

Day 2 — Gait, Surgery, and Rehabilitation

Application of assessment findings to surgical decision-making and long-term care.

Topics include:

Typical gait development, kinematics, and EMG patterns
Visual gait analysis: terminology and clinical reasoning
Gait classification in CP and the role of orthoses
Multilevel orthopaedic surgery: indications, timing, and outcomes
Common surgical procedures and alternative approaches
Physiotherapy management before and after surgery

"Incorporation of research was great and made us think more critically on our practice"

Course Registration

Dates: Spring 2027

Early Bird (March 30): $550 (taxes included)

Regular: $600 (taxes included)

Includes

2 full days of live teaching
Downloadable resources and tools
Certificate of completion

Group discount:
Agencies registering 5–10 participants receive 15% off
Contact us for agency-level registration for groups larger than 10

Build Confidence in Orthopaedic Care for Children with CP

Join pediatric clinicians strengthening their clinical reasoning, surgical understanding, and rehabilitation planning through practical, evidence-informed education

Cancellation Policy:
Any cancellations made more than 30 days ahead of the course date will be given a full refund less $50 administrative fee. No refund will be provided for cancellations made less than 30 days ahead of the course date or if the registrant does not attend the course.

Course will not be cancelled less than 30 days ahead of the course date due to insufficient registration. If cancelled, a full refund of the registration fee will be provided. Registrant assumes full responsibility for other course related expenses (transportation, accommodations, etc.) and these expenses will not be refunded.

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