Discover evaluation and intervention techniques for pediatric problems, such as prematurity, torticollis, balance problems, hypertonia, and hypotonia. Interventions include compensation strategies, NDT, and use of adaptive equipment.

With the rising incidence of cerebral palsy, survival of the tiniest premature infants and the increased incidence of torticollis, any professionals working with children in an inpatient, outpatient, school or home environment will undoubtedly be asked to assess and treat children with movement and neuromuscular disorders. A diagnosis of "cerebral palsy" or "developmental delay" is very general and professionals who are asked to treat a child with one of these or other general diagnoses must have a good understanding of the evaluation tools and treatment options that will guide the provision of an individualized, safe and effective program for each child.

MICHELLE FRYT LINEHAN, MSPT, PCS, M.Ed., is a licensed physical therapist and APTA Pediatric Certified Specialist with over 26 years experience working with children in both rehab and educational settings. Currently she works in an outpatient facility in Spokane, Washington, and owns her own practice, Kinetic Kids Physical Therapy, treating children in Idaho. Ms. Linehan previously worked in the field of education, both in the United States and in Africa, as a teacher and state-level administrator for a total of 13 years. She has spent the last 16 years working as a pediatric physical therapist in a variety of settings: hospital acute care, outpatient, school systems and early intervention programs. Ms. Linehan also previously owned a pediatric physical therapy practice in Georgia, seeing children in their natural environment.

Ms. Linehan received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in 1980, obtained a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Washington in Seattle in 1987, and in 1993 she earned her MSPT from Boston University. Ms. Linehan completed the NDT/Bobath 8-week Pediatric course in 1999 and became a Pediatric Certified Specialist through the American Physical Therapy Association in 2002. She also has earned certifications in Threshold Electrical Stimulation and Infant Behavior Assessment. Ms. Linehan views “Evidence Based Practice” as a necessary aspect of her clinical practice and continually strives to seek effective ways to provide physical therapy services to all of her patients.