The following are descriptions of courses that are currently available. If your facility or group wishes to sponsor a course, or to discuss a course customized to your needs, please contact Shelley Mannell at shelley@heartspacept.com.

Clinical Problem Solving Part 1: Where Do I Start?

Instructors: Shelley Mannell PT, Charlene Cratt SLP

This one day course adopts a more in-depth problem solving approach. We introduce a clinical problem solving model which includes identifying the primary problems, deciding where to start and which treatment technique to use, as well as documenting progress. Finally you will have an opportunity to consolidate the information by designing and presenting a treatment plan with specific treatment strategies that will support your client in reaching their goals. Registration is limited to 30 participants.

Clinical Problem Solving Part 2: Expanding the Process

Instructors: Shelley Mannell PT, Charlene Cratt SLP

The second in this series, we continue with videotape analysis to gain expertise in using the clinical problem solving model presented in Part 1. Participating therapists will each bring video footage of a client on their caseload. As each piece of video footage is viewed, the group will have the opportunity to work through the clinical problem solving model and the treating therapist will have the opportunity to use the group to further expand their knowledge base and management options for that client.  

Introduction to Treatment of the Child with Hypotonia

This 2 day course focuses on the integration of different treatment approaches when assessing and treating children who display the clinical signs of hypotonia. Typical motor development of the child with low tone will serve as a basis for understanding the challenges that life presents to such a child. Techniques in soft tissue elongation, Neuro-Developmental Treatment, oral sensory processing and strength training will be presented within a model for assessment and treatment. This model addresses the need for increasing range of motion in various tissues, supporting the child's physical and emotional organization and independent movement. The course format will be combination of lectures, handling albs and treatment demonstrations which provides the participants with a variety of opportunities to learn. There are no prerequisites for this course and registration is limited to 30 participants.

Keeping Their Balance: Perspectives on Postural Control

The literature agrees that the development of efficient postural control is essential to the development of efficient motor skills as displayed by the familiar developmental milestones. But what is the typical development of postural control? This one day course answers that question, synthesizing the available research regarding the contributions of the musculoskeletal, sensory and motor systems to postural control in children. Using the same systems framework, we will contrast the development of atypical postural control in children with a variety of diagnoses, identifying when, where and why compensations commonly occur and how these negatively impact their development of motor skills. Finally, using videotape analysis, you will have the opportunity to analyze postural control in a variety of children. Registration is limited to 40 participants.

Introduction to Neuro-Developmental Treatment

This 3-day course utilizes a hands-on problem solving model. Both typical motor development and the atypical motor development of a child with Cerebral Palsy are presented with the focus of study highlighting how musculoskeletal alignment contributes to the development of upper extremity function, oral motor function, phonation and functional mobility. We will utilize problem solving and movement analysis within the assessment and treatment process. Treatment skills will focus on integrating your problem solving skills during facilitation of movement. You will have the opportunity to learn in a small group through lectures, handling skills labs, treatment demonstrations. You will also have opportunity to participate in treatment practicums with clients which provides an invaluable opportunity to put your theoretical knowledge into practice immediately. Finally, there will be an opportunity to integrate the information learned by designing a treatment plan with specific Treatment strategies that will enable a client to reach specified short and long-term goals. Registration is limited to a maximum of 24 participants.

This course focuses on the range of motion, strength and motor experiences that contribute to functional walking in children with neuromotor dysfunction. Participants will learn to combine soft tissue elongation, Neuro-Developmental Treatment and the use of orthotics in order to enhance the functioning of the lower extremities. The course will combine lecture, handling labs and treatment demonstrations in order to provide an environment where therapists can integrate their new knowledge in a supportive learning environment. Registration is limited to 24 participants.

Treatment of the Trunk: Integrating Approaches to Enhance Postural Control

This 3 day course focuses on the integration of different treatment approaches when assessing and treating children who are experiencing difficulties with postural control. The theoretical basis for utilizing Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy and Neuro-Developmental Treatment will be addressed as they apply to children with neuromotor dysfunction, in particular Cerebral Palsy. Participants will work through a model for assessment and treatment. Within this model, specific treatment techniques will be taught to address increasing range of motion in various tissues, as well as supporting the child's physical and emotional organization and independent movement. The course format is a combination of lectures, handling labs and treatment demonstrations. Registration is limited to 24 participants.