• Pediatric Science Infant Course
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Pediatric Science - The Infant Course

Pediatric Science - The Infant Course

$895.00 CAD
$995.00 CAD $895.00 CAD
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CE Hours
Location

For clinicians looking to understand all things health and wellness for the client between 0 days old and onset of walking. A broad array of topics will be covered to enable non-specialist therapists to make critical decisions and interventions for the health of infants and their families.
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Venue

  • Victoria, BC

    May 31 - Jun 1, 2025

    8:00- 5:00 (subject to change)
    Venue: TBA

  • Toronto, ON

    June 14-15, 2025

    8:00- 5:00 (subject to change)
    Venue: TBA

  • Edmonton, AB

    Oct 18-19, 2025

    8:00- 5:00 (subject to change)
    Venue: TBA

16 CEU Hours

This course is made for movement-based and manual therapists who are looking to improve their knowledge and skills to serve patients from birth to walking. No prior experience in this area is needed; it is a great introduction to infant care. A broad array of topics will be covered to enable the non-pediatric-specialist therapist to make critical decisions and provide physical treatment for their youngest patients. Those who are already working with infants will appreciate the in-depth scientific back-up and nuanced application of MSK care for the infant.

Infants are a very special subset of the pediatric population. Their structures, needs, and care are categorically different from those of adults. From a clinical perspective, many of the guidelines and interventions we use to treat adults/adolescents either fundamentally do not apply, have not been validated, or must be altered to be suitable for the various stages of development. The physical challenges presenting in infants differ greatly from those seen in any other age bracket. Consider that they must neurologically map their bodies and learn to move through space against gravity. What an accomplishment! They are also unable to direct communicate with us regarding their discomforts and difficulties, further complicating our clinical relationship.

This has led to much hesitation and introspection across the various complimentary and alternative health professions when it comes to assessing and intervening with infants. This course hopes to demystify the musculoskeletal needs and care of babies. What are the most common problems that drive parents to bring their children into the clinic? How does one take a proper history at this stage of life? What are red flags for an infant that require immediate medical referral? Are there any additional safety considerations or modifications that must be kept in mind when caring for this vulnerable population? What does normal look like and how do we measure it?

Course Objectives

Attendees will leave with actionable knowledge and infant-specific skill sets that can be applied immediately. Participants will be able to:

  • Practice ethical, evidence-informed care for their smallest patients.
  • Gain both general and specific understanding of pediatric research, as well as fundamental sciences and assumptions from a broad array of professions.
  • Understand when and how to apply and/or modify common MSK therapy techniques.
  • Complete a meaningful history and physical exam on an infant patient.
  • Understand the most common reasons that families seek care for their newborns, what the evidence suggests for these cases, and how we should proceed in an informed manner.
  • Hold intelligent, collaborative conversations with other professionals when referring and co-managing.

Who This Course Is For

Individuals who are involved in the musculoskeletal, developmental, or wellness care of pediatric populations. Including:

  • Chiropractors
  • Physiotherapists
  • Osteopaths
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Medical Doctors

The Outline

16 CEU Hours

ONLINE PORTION (4 hours)

TO BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO IN-PERSON TEACHING

  • Safety & Consent for the Infant Patient
  • Meaningful History for the Infant Patient
  • Specialized Infant Anatomy Review

IN-PERSON (12 hours)

- Intro to Infant Care for NMSK Providers

- Motor Development

  • Milestones: Progressions and Positions
  • Reflexes: Primitive and Postural

- Physical Exam for an Infant Patient

- MSK Treatment Options for the Infant Patient

  • Manipulations, Mobilizations & Modifications
  • Soft Tissue Therapies
  • Intro to Craniosacral Therapies
  • Movement-Based Therapies / Exercise Rehab
  • More Treatment Options

- SPECIAL TOPIC - Congenital Muscular Torticollis

- SPECIAL TOPIC - Cranial Asymmetries & "Flat Spots”

- SPECIAL TOPIC - Feeding Assessment & Support

Instructors

Dr. Amanda Stevens

Dr. Amanda Stevens holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, a Masters of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition, and a Doctorate of Chiropractic.Her clinical practice focuses entirely on perinatal and pediatric care, with an emphasis on motor development and feeding support for infants. On top of providing excellent clinical care, she is actively involved in research and education. Her office has served as a data collection site for multiple practice-based research initiatives and she has participated as a panel expert for guideline initiatives and position statements. Currently, she is acting Study Coordinator for The COURSE Study, an international research effort on adolescent pain through Parker University, as well as a Subject Matter Expert on Pediatric Nutrition for Logan University's Masters of Science in Integrative Pediatrics. Dr. Stevens is dedicated to elevating the standard of neuromusculoskeletal care for children as they grow.