Course Description

In this course, participants will learn how to effectively evaluate toe walking in pediatric patients and develop an appropriate plan of care. Differential diagnoses, clinical red flags, and indications for referral to other healthcare disciplines will be reviewed. Evidence-based intervention strategies and their application through case-based examples will be discussed.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify common causes and classifications of toe walking (idiopathic, neurologic, orthopedic, and sensory) and describe the key components of a comprehensive physical therapy evaluation, including gait analysis, range of motion, strength, and sensory assessment. 
2. Discuss the role of interdisciplinary collaboration (e.g., orthopedics, neurology, and occupational therapy) in the evaluation and management of children with toe walking. 
3. Outline evidence-based intervention strategies for the treatment of toe walking. 
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of adjunctive therapies, including serial casting, botulinum toxin, and sensory integration techniques, through the application of case-based examples. 

Presenters

Heather Hill, MPT is a Level V Physical Therapist at Connecticut Children's, where she has practiced since 2017. She earned her Master of Physical Therapy degree from Quinnipiac University in 2001 and brings more than 25 years of pediatric clinical experience, specializing in the care of infants, children, and young adults with neurologic conditions, as well as adaptive equipment and mobility solutions. Heather is a Theratogs fitter, a Credentialed Clinical Instructor, and an active member of the APTA. She has served as a clinical evaluator on multiple research studies involving individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Heather is passionate about empowering children and their families through education and evidence-based, family-centered care.

Jodi Janda, PT, DPT is a Level IV Physical Therapist at Connecticut Children's with more than 20 years of experience in pediatric physical therapy. She earned her Master of Science in Physical Therapy from Sacred Heart University in 2006 and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Temple University in 2013. Jodi's clinical experience spans public schools, home care, outpatient rehabilitation, and hospital-based pediatric care. She specializes in the treatment of infants through young adults with neurologic conditions, infant development, and biofeedback, and serves as a physical therapist in the Spina Bifida Clinic at Connecticut Children's. Jodi is a mentor in the Connecticut Children's/Sacred Heart University Pediatric Residency Program, a Credentialed Clinical Instructor, and is certified in Total Motion Release (TMR) and LSVT. She is also an active member of the APTA.