Paediatric pelvic health dynamic core for Kids: 2 days (online & in-person)

Shelley Mannell, PT and Julie Wiebe, PT developed and will be presenting a 2-day hybrid professional development course.

1 day online (Sept 26th)

1 day in-person (Oct 23rd):Centre Saint -Pierre Montreal

Continence and constipation are challenges for many of the families encountered by pediatric PTs and OTs. However, few rehabilitation professionals feel confident to address these pediatric pelvic health needs, and lack relevant tools to address them in the context of their clinical setting. Standard pelvic floor-centered, behavioral and environmental interventions may not be suitable for the needs of neurodiverse children (and many neurotypical kids). A new model of trauma-informed pediatric pelvic health is needed.

This hybrid course (Day One online, Day Two in-person) introduces paediatric and pelvic health rehab professionals to a dynamic systems framework for assessment and intervention for pediatric pelvic health challenges. This whole child perspective offers tangible tools and intervention strategies that harness the interconnection of postural control, neuromuscular, movement, and pressure systems to support continence and bowel regularity in children. In addition, interconnections between the neural networks involved in sensory processing, emotional regulation, and continence systems in both neurotypical and neurodiverse populations will be discussed to deepen provider understanding of a global approach.

Concepts basic to the Dynamic Core for Kids approach will be applied to harness breath mechanics as a gateway into the intertwined central control, neural, and continence systems. Relevant strategies will be introduced that complement therapists’ existing skill set, along with tangible tools to share with families. Clinicians will be introduced to outcome measures, parent intake, and assessment form suggestions that support building a robust client profile to guide treatment priorities and integrate pelvic health into their plan of care. Participants will be equipped to address paediatric pelvic health in conjunction with other treatment priorities while honoring the unique circumstances of families and children with developmental, motor, and sensory differences.

Participants will have the opportunity to synthesize Day-One content via case study discussions and hands-on practice of intervention strategies. Intake, assessment, and outcome measures introduced in Day-One will provide a guiding framework to engage in case studies of children with a variety of neuromotor and sensory processing needs. In addition, attendees will explore movement-based and functional strategies to assess global contributors to paediatric pelvic health. External, hands-on assessment of diaphragm and pelvic floor function are offered for application in appropriate cases. Participants will be introduced to the potential impact of developmental Diastasis Recti Abdominis (dDRA) on continence, movement efficiency, and balance, with suggested treatment options and progressions.

Ample opportunity to ask questions and interact with instructors and colleagues will help equip providers with the clinical reasoning and confidence to enter into conversations, screening, and support for pediatric pelvic health needs in the populations they serve. (Attendance on Day One is REQUIRED to attend Day Two.)

This course is designed for both experienced and newer clinicians who are new to pediatric pelvic health, providing foundational knowledge, assessment, and intervention skills appropriate for the pediatric setting.

Co-presented by Julie W. Wiebe, PT, DPT and Shelley Mannell, PT, BSc, BHSc

1. Discuss the prevalence of continence issues in 3 different paediatric populations.
2. Reflect on the application of trauma informed care in how you speak, assess, intervene and gain consent from neurodiverse children and their families.
3. Compare neurotypical and neurodivergent development of the anticipatory postural control system (aka “deep core”) inclusive of relationships between the diaphragm, transverse abdominis, pelvic floor, and intra-abdominal pressure systems.
4. Develop breath mechanics strategies to link the anticipatory postural control and continence control systems as a foundation for three therapeutic activities.
5. List 4 modifiable lifestyle factors that can have an impact on continence in both neurotypical and neurodivergent children.
6. Develop 3 constipation intervention strategies for parents to help prevent nighttime accidents.
7. Describe the interconnections between neurophysiologic, sensory processing, and emotional regulation systems as they relate to daytime and nighttime continence control.
8. Gain intake and assessment tools that reveal a clinical profile that reflects the status of multiple systems that have a role in paediatric pelvic health concerns

1. Demonstrate a basic level of skill in assessment of components of the central control system – Diaphragm, Transversus Abdominis, and Pelvic Floor (including external palpation).
2. Create a client profile from parent intake, assessment, and outcome measures to guide treatment planning.
3. Identify functional and movement pattern differences that demonstrate central control and continence system challenges.
4. Devise 2 external, movement based intervention strategies that simultaneously address neuromotor, sensory, and pelvic health needs.
5. Demonstrate a basic level of skill in assessment of developmental Diastasis Recti Abdomins (dDRA).
6. Develop 2 intervention strategies that manage dDRA for those with different neuromotor and/or sensory abilities.
7. Create a plan of care that offers families pelvic health support alongside other treatment priorities.

Shelley Mannell & Julie Wiebe

Shelley has more than 25 years experience treating babies, children and adolescents with physical challenges and gross motor delays. Shelley has been a registered Physiotherapist with the College of Physiotherapy of Ontario since graduating from McMaster University. She is a member of the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association (C/NDT) and is a regular contributor to various newsletters and online forums.

Shelley began her career in pediatrics at the Niagara Children’s Centre. During her time at the centre she served children in the schools and as outpatients, was coordinator of Orthotic Clinic and served as a founding member of the Early Intervention Team. In 1997 she created HeartSpace Physical Therapy for Children in order to balance her career as a Physical Therapist with her role as a mother.

Shelley has extensive post-graduate study. She is certified in pediatric Neuro-Developmental Treatment (C/NDT) and has completed all her pediatric NDT advanced courses. In addition she has extensive training in Myofascial Release, Craniosacral Therapy, developmental biomechanics and sensory processing intervention as well as attachment theory and treatment. Shelley is also a certified children’s yoga teacher and meditation facilitator and has developed the HeartSpace Yoga and Meditation programme which offers yoga and meditation for children with sensory and motor challenges. Most recently Shelley has co-created the Dynamic Core for Kids approach for the treatment of core stability in children with Julie Wiebe PT.

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PT, DPT Julie Wiebe, PT, DPT has over twenty-five years of clinical experience in Sports Medicine and Pelvic Health, specializing in abdominopelvic, pregnancy and postpartum health for fit and athletic populations. Her passion is to return active patients to fitness and sport after injury and pregnancy and equip professionals to do the same. She has pioneered an integrative approach to promote pelvic health in and through movement and fitness. These strategies have been successful incorporated by medical providers, rehab practitioners, and fitness professionals into a variety of populations (orthopedics, sports medicine, pelvic health, neurology, and pediatrics). Dr. Wiebe is a sought-after speaker delivering evidenced-based continuing education coursework, lectures, and curriculum at academic institutions, clinics, conferences, and professional organizations internationally. A published author, her research interests focus on the interplay of athleticism and pelvic health to inform screening tools and multifactorial intervention strategies. Julie provides direct cash-based care to fit and athletic populations through telehealth and her clinical practice.

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Cancellation Policy
Important:
Any cancellation will incur a 10% administrative fee.
In addition, Eventbrite fees are non-refundable at all times.

If a cancellation occurs more than 30 days prior to the event, a full refund will be issued (minus the fees mentioned above).
After the 30-day period, no refunds will be accepted.

Parking ($) is available at the Centre Saint-Pierre, and microwaves will be at your disposal

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