Physiotherapy Assessment and Treatment in Pediatric Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Overview

Recent medical advances have provided new therapeutic options for families of children diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). These therapies are changing the phenotype of treated patients, who no longer follow the natural history of SMA.

This online pediatric physiotherapy course 'Physiotherapy Assessment and Treatment in Pediatric Spinal Muscular Atrophy' is brought to you by the Paediatric Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA).

Background

Physiotherapists have a role in promoting positive outcomes for children with SMA.

Developing an awareness of the changing natural history of the disease, understanding the principles of best practices for physiotherapy treatment, and how to measure the change in motor function will be important for physiotherapists who work with this population.

Presenters

Silvana Echeverri, BSc MPT

Silvana graduated from UBC’s Master of Physiotherapy program and has been working as a pediatric physiotherapist since 2014. Silvana works at Kids Physio and is the owner of the Cambie Kids Physio location. Silvana is also a Clinical Evaluator at BC Children’s Hospital, working to perform physiotherapy evaluations for neuromuscular conditions including DMD and SMA for clinical trials.

Niam Cushen

Niamh is a pediatric physiotherapist at BC Children’s Hospital, working primarily with the Spinal Muscular Atrophy population and in the pediatric ICU, where she supports the physiotherapy needs of pediatric SMA clients within BC and the Yukon. She graduated with a bachelors in physiotherapy from University College Dublin in 2010. Niamh moved to Vancouver from Ireland in 2011 and started her career in adult acute care, transitioning to BC Children’s Hospital in 2017.

Angelina Woof

Angelina is the Associate Head of Clinical Education in the Department of Physical Therapy at UBC. Throughout her career, she has worked clinically as a physiotherapist in the area of pediatrics, as a clinical evaluator at BC Children’s Hospital, and as a consultant who provides support and training to healthcare professionals engaged in clinical trials in pediatric rare diseases.

CPA - Embodia Partnership Information

Here's a short video that outlines how to make the most of your CPA Membership on Embodia. The video outlines registering for a webinar, connecting your CPA account to Embodia, and getting CPA discounts on courses/webinars. 

1. Click here to login to the CPA website
2. Once you’ve logged in, go to the tab at the top called 'Events & Education', then click on PD Marketplace
3. Click on the link above the video that says 'Access the PD Marketplace Now!'

Please note: All pricing for CPA-hosted webinars and courses, including all Division courses, is set by the CPA. If you have any questions about the pricing please contact the CPA at pd@physiotherapy.ca