Course overview:
This course aims to support clinicians with clinical reasoning and practical skills when considering, fabricating and evaluating upper limb orthoses (rigid thermoplastic splints and soft casts) for children and young people with Cerebral Palsy (CP).
Pre-course learning materials, notes and instructional videos are provided with references to all delegates.
Learning outcomes:
- Apply understanding of upper limb anatomy and functional neurology to support decision making for splinting and casting interventions
- Understand and apply assessment tools for range of motion and muscle tone (goniometry, Tardieu and Modified Ashworth scales) to support outcome measurement
- Evaluate the current evidence base for static (rigid), functional splinting, and casting
- Understand splint and cast design principles and positioning requirements
- Understand the importance of interventions complementary to splinting and casting such as Botulinum toxin-A / systemic tone management and strengthening
- Recognise the importance of wider MDT involvement in holistic treatment
- Develop practical skills in rigid thermoplastic and soft cast fabrication
- Understand precautions and contraindications, and factors that influence compliance with orthoses
- Develop skills in documentation and evaluation of treatment outcomes
Course structure:
The course is run over 3 consecutive days face-to-face. Learners then join a ½ day follow up Zoom meeting 3 months later to consolidate knowledge.
Pre-course learning:
Learners are requested to review all pre-course materials prior to course commencement. Prior knowledge of upper limb anatomy and assessment (Range of movement and muscle tone) at a beginner level is desirable.
Course certification:
Following the 3-day face-to-face component of the course, learners will apply knowledge through completion of a case study. The case study must be completed in learners’ own time following the course and prior to the Zoom meeting. This is required to be submitted via the GOSH online learning platform (GOLD) for review. Learners will then present their case study in small groups during the follow up Zoom meeting.
Attendance at the face-to-face course and follow up Zoom meeting is required for course completion and certification.
Programme (subject to change): 3 days face-to-face, and ½ day follow up Zoom meeting
Day 1: Wednesday 15 October 2025 (08:30 – 17:00)
- Functional Upper limb anatomy
- Assessment of range of motion and muscle tone
- Functional neuroanatomy
- Evidence base part 1: Muscle structure and contracture formation
- Practical session: Casting
Day 2: Thursday 16 October 2025 (08:30 - 17:00)
- Evidence base part 2: splinting and casting interventions
- Practical session: thermoplastic splinting and casting
Day 3: Friday 17 October 2025 (08:30 - 16:30)
- Reflections on practical session
- Off the shelf functional and resting splints practical discussion
- Medical/surgical management & focal tone management – Botulinum toxin-A
- Splinting/Casting precautions and contraindications and factors that influence compliance
- Case studies
- Planning for follow up webinar and certification requirements
Day 4: Friday 16 January 2026 (09:00 - 12:30)
- Virtual event – details of Zoom meeting to follow
Event pricing:
Standard rate: £900.00
Early Bird rate (until 1 September 2025): £800.00
Includes refreshments. Please note that lunch is not included.
Please email events.gla@gosh.nhs.uk if you need to pay via invoice through your Trust/organisation. If paying by invoice, a PO from your Trust/Organisation is required 14 working days before the start of the event to confirm your place.
Registration:
Please note that tickets will remain on sale until Wednesday 1 October 2025, 8:30am or when the course reaches maximum capacity of 18 participants.
Please note this event is not being recorded.
