TheraTogs Research and Evidence Based Practice for Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapists

Billi Cusick image with podcast highlights

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For handy links to things we've discussed in this interview, scroll down to the Resources Section at the bottom of the page.

The essence of evidence-based practice lies in the intersection of theory and practice, particularly when it comes to the complex and ever-changing nature of pediatric therapy.

While therapists have long recognized the therapeutic benefits of TheraTogs in their day-to-day practice, research in this area has often fallen short of capturing the value and impact we see. Fortunately, recent publications have begun to bridge this gap, shedding light on the effectiveness of TheraTogs and aligning with therapists' real-world experiences.

In this fascinating interview, I had the privilege of sitting down with Billi Cusick herself to explore why previous research may have failed to capture the essence of TheraTogs' therapeutic benefits and delve into the exciting advancements in the latest studies that are starting to ask the right questions, capture the right outcomes and provide meaningful insights that are actually clinically useful.

But wait....

That's not all!

We also also take a closer look at the dos and don'ts of using TheraTogs, provide tips on how to apply them, discuss some different approaches to orthotics and so much more!

If you are looking to enhance your skills and understanding of TheraTogs, orthotics and how to critically appraise the evidence around this topic, then you're not going to want to miss this interview!

Enjoy!!

Listen, enjoy, share...

Podcast Highlights

03:31 minutes- Functioning alignment
06:72 minutes- The problem with gait as an outcome measure
09:37 minutes- Research
23:09 minutes- Getting started with TheraTogs the right way
27:51 minutes- Dosage and Longevity
32:00 minutes- History of use
34:59 minutes- Orthotics and TheraTogs
36:06 minutes- QUESTIONS
39:41 minutes- Cost and compliance
44:29 minutes- TheraTogs over clothes
45:15 minutes- Sourcing TheraTogs outside of the USA
45:46 minutes- Addressing w-sitting and Clinical Consults
48:22 minutes-Training
49:20 minutes- Recycling TheraTogs
51:36 minutes- Sequence for applying TheraTogs correctly
52:59 minutes- Researching TheraTogs
56:07 minutes- TheraTogs and Scoliosis

Resources

clickable links to take you right to the information you're looking for

Billi

Mentioned

Research

"Unless researchers are reporting that they're measuring changes in alignment and body weight management before they measure functional outcomes, you don't really know if they're achieving the core purpose of TheraTogs before they're looking at what TheraTogs can do."

Essential Books

Recommended by Billi in this interview and her previous interview HERE

Shirley Sahrmann Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes
Lois Bly Components of Typical and Atypical Motor Development (Recommended by Billi as the book mentioned in the podcast may be out of print: Lois Bly Motor Skills Acquisition in the first year: An illustrated guide to normal development)
Thomas Michaud Foot orthoses and other forms of conservative foot management
Blandine Calais-Germain Anatomy of Movement (Revised Edition)