Brachial Plexus Injury through the Lifespan: Taping and Strapping for Improved Alignment and Function

Saturday, January 24, 2026, 8:00 AM - Sunday, January 25, 2026, 6:00 PM, Feigin Center Large Conference Room (FCO1A), Houston, TX


General Attendance (14.50 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (14.50 hours)

This 16-hour course will focus on therapeutic techniques used to facilitate improved alignment and muscle re-education for function for patients diagnosed with obstetrical brachial plexus injury (OBPI). A thorough evaluation of the infant, child, or adolescent is critical to assess specific areas of weakness, abnormal and compensatory movement patterns, and alignment of the whole body throughout the lifespan. The occupational and physical therapists need an understanding of muscle function and development that occurs as the infant continues to mature and develop. The OT/PT will learn evaluation and intervention strategies for each stage of development and recovery throughout infancy, childhood, and teen years. Feedback from adults with impairments secondary to OBPI will also be presented. The participants will be presented with an overview of the anatomy of the initial nerve injury and the muscular and bony sequelae that often results in lifelong neuromuscular and orthopedic challenges. Developmental biomechanics in relation to treatment will be reviewed. In addition, the use of static and dynamic taping and strapping techniques will be demonstrated as well as the use of dynamic compression orthotics and splinting to assist with alignment. Interventions used for infant/child/adolescent may include: Kinesio Tape®, Fabrifoam wraps, casting, orthotics, and compression orthotics. Strengthening, postural control and activities to improve balance and symmetry for function in ADLs, play, and mobility will be discussed in conjunction with the adjuncts described above. Course instruction methods include lecture, lab experience, demonstration, videos, case studies and question/answers.

1. Identify at least two specific developmental features in trunk, and upper and lower extremities in typically developing children.
2. Explain the importance of three components of proper alignment and how these support the initiation of movement patterns in the pediatric population.
3. Discuss muscle imbalances affecting the whole body and implications for treatment.
4. Discuss how the involved arm in a child with OBPI can also affect other parts of the body.
5. Observe changes in motor skills from infancy through adolescence and discuss impact of impairments on ADLs and mobility in children with OBPI by viewing case series.
6. Review treatment intervention options, including casting, taping, strapping, orthotics and handling throughout development.
7. Discuss common issues in upper extremity, lower extremity, and trunk, occurring in infants/children/adolescents with brachial plexus injuries.
8. Explain the use of taping/strapping for neuromuscular re-education and improved alignment in the pediatric population to optimize functional activities.
9. Describe the following taping materials: elastic therapeutic tape, neoprene wraps/Fabrifoam
10. Describe the principles of taping and strapping as adjuncts to treatment in the patient with brachial plexus injury.
11. Describe tape application guidelines, skin care, and tape removal.
12. Demonstrate one taping and strapping technique for the upper extremity to improve reach and grasp for ADLs.
13. Demonstrate one strapping and taping technique for the trunk to improve sit balance, posture, and symmetry for alignment.
14. Demonstrate one strapping and taping technique for the lower extremity to improve step and stride length for community ambulation and play with peers.
15. Discuss common issues and impairments in upper extremity, lower extremity, and trunk, occurring in infants/children/adolescents with brachial plexus injuries and their effect on function, ADLs, gait and participation.
16. Describe functional implications of impairments seen in children with brachial plexus injury, with guidelines for goal-setting through the life span. Include recommendations for dosing therapy.

Texas Children's Hospital - Medical Center

Feigin Tower, 1st Floor Conference Room

1102 Bates Avenue

Houston, TX 77030

Texas Children's Hospital is a preferred provider for the Texas Physical Therapy Association, APS##2604051TX.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received in writing no less than 20 days before the course will be refunded, less a 20% administrative fee. No refunds will be made on cancellations received after that date. Please send cancellation requests to [email protected].

Texas Children's Hospital reserves the right to cancel or postpone this program if necessary; in the event of cancellation, course fees will be fully refunded. We are not responsible for other costs incurred such as non-refundable airline tickets or hotel penalties.

Accessibility Statement
 
Texas Children's Hospital is committed to ensuring that its programs, services, goods and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities as specified under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008.  If you have needs that require special accommodations, including dietary concerns, please contact the CME Conference Coordinator.

THE WESTIN HOUSTON MEDICALCENTER

1709 Dryden Road

Houston, TX 77030

United States

marriott.com/houwa

+1 346.388.0412

Book your corporate rate for Texas Children's Project Rate

Nightly rate: $128.00 (price varies based on room availability)

Texas Children's Hospital adheres to ACCME Criteria, Standards and Policies regarding industry support of continuing medical education. Disclosure of faculty and their commercial relationships will be made prior to the activity.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

Texas Children's Hospital adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including Faculty, planners, reviewers, or others are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible company (commercial interests). All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.