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:
Cost & CEU
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