Physical Therapy Treatment Essentials in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) – Positioning for Success! Part II: Importance of Early Weight Bearing for Children with SMA

Sponsored by Lurie Children’s Division of Rehabilitative Services & Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, this course will present the benefits of upright positioning, using safe and supportive standing alignment for those with SMA for those with SMA. Hip anatomy and development will be reviewed to provide background information and understanding. Audience members will gain familiarity with common safety precautions and measures that will enable the creation of successful standing environments by presenting multiple options for achievement. The course will address common perceived barriers and discuss strategies to optimize success.

Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Recognize the importance of early weightbearing using good alignment.
2. Discover opportunities to attain safe standing in home or therapy environment.
3. Summarize important considerations, prior to initiating a standing protocol.
4. Compare and contrast various devices and supports used to assist in standing.