Presenter name and email address: Heather Aker, [email protected]

 Module Description:

 This course is designed to advance the pediatric residents’ knowledge in the examination and treatment of pediatric patients with Congenital Muscular Torticollis and Plagiocephaly. Part 1 of this course is an asynchronous learning module on the examination and treatment of infants with Congenital Muscular Torticollis and Plagiocephaly. Upon completion of this module, the learner will use the content presented as well as two included articles to prepare a case-based written assignment. Part 2 of this course will be a synchronous session for discussion of the cases prepared. Residents will be asked to complete a Knowledge Translation Plan to be reviewed with their residency program mentors and/or director. Residents are also encouraged to engage with their program mentors throughout the course experience to enhance their learning and integration of knowledge into clinical practice.

 Learning Objectives: 

Upon completion of this module, participants will:

• Understand the incidence, etiology and pathophysiology of Torticollis and Plagiocephaly and discuss the importance of early identification and early referral.
• Identify key components of Physical Therapy examination for infants with Congenital Muscular Torticollis and Plagiocephaly and evaluate purpose, validity and reliability of outcome measures.
• Explain the impact of Torticollis and plagiocephaly on development and how it affects associated body structures and overall gross motor function.
• Apply the APTA levels of severity classification for infants with Congenital Muscular Torticollis and integrate other patient factors to formulate PT prognosis and plan of care.
• Review evidence-based interventions for patients with Congenital Muscular Torticollis and detect red flags for referring out to other medical professionals.

Estimated Educational Hours:

1. Asynchronous Activity 2 hours

2. Resident required readings and assignment: 30 minutes (skim/scan/review CPG)

3. Module Assignment: 1 hour

4. Synchronous session: 2 hours

5. Knowledge translation worksheet: 1 hour

 Presenter Bio: 

Heather Aker, PT, DPT, DHSc has been a member of the Physical Therapy Department at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for more than 10 years. She has worked in a variety of pediatric settings including early intervention, school systems, and an outpatient clinic specializing in hippotherapy. As a physical therapist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Heather has worked in acute care and outpatient settings, as well as having early in her career participated in CHOP’s Pediatric Physical Therapy Residency. Her clinical interests are congenital muscular torticollis, treating the infant/parent dyad, and post-concussion recovery. Heather has conducted research using retrospective data from CHOP’s Arcus database and looks forward to expanding the body of evidence related to congenital muscular torticollis treatment and prognosis. In addition to clinical practice, Heather has also participated in academic education as an adjunct professor at Widener University as well as guest lectures at Widener University, and Arcadia University. Heather graduated from Widener University with her Doctor of Physical Therapy, and the University of Indianapolis with her Doctor of Health Sciences.

Confidentiality Agreement:

• Please respect intellectual property rules. All content is intended for your use only. 
• All registered participants are required to sign a confidentiality agreement, which requires that they DO NOT distribute course material.  

 Asynchronous Content:

• Participants should view the narrated lecture prior to the virtual meeting if one is scheduled.  
• A handout is included with the slides from the presentation video.  

 Resident Assignment:

• Participants should complete the Torticollis & Plagiocephaly module assignment and answer the questions on the worksheet about the corresponding cases. This will be reviewed during the synchronous session.
• Complete the following required readings:
  • 2024 Torticollis CPG, included in articles.
  • As directed in the power point, please skim/scan/review other included articles.

 Virtual Meeting:

• The platform is Zoom, so be sure to leave yourself some additional set up time if you need to download the free software.  
• Please plan to have your video on during the entire session to facilitate interaction and discussion. 
• The course presenter(s) will start with a brief overview of the asynchronous content, discuss a few important points, and answer any questions that residents have.  
• The course presenter(s) will also facilitate discussion about the resident assignment using individual breakout rooms and/or discussion in the main room. Come prepared to be an active participant in discussions.  
• The virtual meeting will be recorded and posted for participants to view if they are unable to attend the live synchronous session. Please keep in mind that we are unable to record individual breakout room discussions. Only main room discussions will be recorded. Therefore, residents/faculty who do not attend the virtual meeting will not have the opportunity to participate in or hear discussions that occurred in the breakout rooms, or to ask questions. We strongly encourage participants to attend the virtual meeting in real-time to take full advantage of the learning opportunities offered there.  

Knowledge Translation Reflection:

• After the synchronous session, complete a Knowledge Translation Reflection (see worksheet posted with other course materials) and discuss with your residency mentor(s) or program director. .

Please email me if you have any questions about the content or assignments! I look forward to meeting everyone!

Heather Aker, [email protected]

If you have questions about registration or the Consortium, please contact Elena Bradley at [email protected].