Come Learn With Us!

This course provides a structured approach to evaluating and treating pediatric equinus gait (“toe walking”) by guiding clinicians to assess toe walking holistically—considering biomechanics, sensory processing, and organized assessments—to identify potential causes and design effective treatment plans. Participants will learn systematic strategies through lectures, labs, skill practice, and Q&A, gaining tools to approach toe walking with clarity and confidence.

Meet Our Instructor

Liesa M. Ritchie (formerly Persaud), PT, DPT, PCS is a licensed physical therapist with 34 years experience in the field of pediatric therapy. Dr Ritchie is a consulting physical therapist and the owner of Know to Change. She has educated health care professionals in advanced treatment techniques and specialized practical training. Liesa’s wide range of clinical experience, enthusiasm, proficient teaching skills, and motivation to improve the standard of care, make her an exciting and compelling instructor!

For more info on KNOW TO CHANGE, visit their website:
www.knowtochange.com

CEU

You’ll earn 14 contact hours (1.4 CEUs / 14 CEUs) for completing this course—perfect for building your skills while getting the credit you need. A certificate of completion will be provided for your submission to your state board.

Course Investment

This two-day course is a valuable opportunity to learn in a small, supportive setting with plenty of hands-on instruction. With class sizes limited to just 20 participants, you’ll enjoy personalized attention and the chance to practice skills in real time—making it an investment that pays off in both knowledge and confidence.

  • Individual Registration: $495

  • Group Rate (5+ participants): $395 per person

Space fills quickly, so be sure to register early when enrollment opens!

Registration opens early nov. 2025

Course Schedule

DAY ONE:
AL GAIT & EQUINUS GAIT
• Definition of Idiopathic Toe Walking
• Problems & concerns regarding an equinus gait pattern
• Components of normal gait & gait development
• Characteristics of equinus gait

BIOMECHANICS
• Necessity of a stable base
• The influence of an anterior center of mass
• Passive ankle DFROM measurement technique: R1 & R2

LAB - Hands on practice

BIOMECHANICS
• Orthoses: Changes to tradition
• Shoe Modifications

DAY TWO:
KINESIOLOGY
• Physiology
• Manual therapy
• Muscle lengthening & strengthening strategies
• Therapeutic Taping

LAB - Hands on practice

SENSORY PROCESSING & SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER
• Consideration of the senses: tactile, vestibular, visual, proprioceptive
• Anatomy, Diagnosis & Assessment with regards to Toe Walking

ASSESSMENT: CRITERIA, RESULTS & INTERVENTION
• Birth & Developmental history
• Vision
• Classifications of Toe Walking etiologies
• Assimilation of material