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The Power of the Pelvis


Workshop Duration:
 2 hours

Cost: $120.00

Does choosing between cushions, backrests and positioning supports sometimes feel overwhelming?

Are you unsure how pelvic alignment should guide your seating recommendations?

Build confidence assessing pelvic alignment, interpreting postural findings and selecting seating solutions that support function, comfort and long term outcomes.

Purchase this workshop

What will you learn?

In this workshop, you will gain practical knowledge and tools to:

Understand pelvic biomechanics and clinical assessment

  • Explain the relationship between pelvic alignment, trunk stability and functional sitting
  • Recognise how pelvic position influences posture, pressure distribution, respiration, communication and upper limb function
  • Apply the principles of neutral sitting to support comfort, stability and participation
  • Understand the purpose and clinical application of the Mechanical Assessment Tool (MAT) within seating assessments

Assess postural presentation

  • Identify common pelvic presentations including posterior and anterior pelvic tilt, pelvic obliquity and pelvic rotation
  • Differentiate between flexible and fixed postural asymmetries to guide intervention planning
  • Recognise how lower limb position, muscle length, tone and range of movement influence pelvic alignment
  • Interpret MAT findings to support clinical reasoning and seating recommendations

Select seating interventions

  • Apply structured clinical reasoning when selecting wheelchair seating components
  • Match cushions, backrests, lateral supports, headrests and positioning components to individual presentation and goals
  • Understand how seating adjustments influence posture, pressure management, function and transfers
  • Consider equipment configuration including seat depth, backrest angle, footplates, pelvic supports and secondary positioning supports

Develop stronger prescription skills

  • Compare a range of commercially available seating systems and positioning options
  • Identify the benefits, limitations and clinical applications of different cushion and backrest designs
  • Select equipment features that address asymmetry while supporting pressure management and functional participation
  • Develop confidence prescribing complex seating solutions using evidence based clinical reasoning 

 

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is designed for Occupational Therapists involved in wheelchair seating, pressure management and Assistive Technology prescription.

It will be particularly useful for:

  • Therapists completing complex seating and wheelchair assessments
  • Those prescribing cushions, backrests and postural support equipment
  • Community, rehabilitation and neurological clinicians supporting long term wheelchair users
  • Practitioners wanting to strengthen their understanding of pelvic biomechanics and clinical seating decision making
  • Anyone seeking greater confidence selecting seating systems that optimise posture, pressure management and functional outcomes

 

Why attend?
In this workshop, you will:

  • Strengthen your understanding of pelvic biomechanics and postural assessment
  • Build confidence interpreting MAT findings and translating them into clinical decisions
  • Improve your ability to match seating equipment to individual functional needs
  • Explore practical examples of seating interventions for common postural presentations
  • Develop stronger clinical reasoning when prescribing cushions, backrests and positioning supports
  • Enhance your ability to optimise posture, comfort, pressure management and participation through effective seating prescription

 

What's included?

  • Gain online access to the workshop – live workshops are delivered via Zoom, while self-paced options include access to recorded sessions
  • Download workshop slides and any resources provided by the presenter
  • Enjoy six months of access to the recording and resources via your Verve OT Learning Library
  • Receive a certificate of completion for your CPD records, available via email upon completion of the workshop

 

Terms of purchase

Please note that each workshop purchase provides access for one person only. If you would like multiple team members to access this workshop, each person must purchase the workshop seperately.

Intermediate Level

The content of this workshop is suitable for therapists who already have a basic understanding of the topic and some practical experience applying it in clinical practice.

The workshop builds on foundational knowledge and explores more detailed reasoning, application and problem-solving.

What are the different levels?

Considering more than one workshop?

 

Add them all to your cart and finalise your purchase in one easy step

About the Presenter

Elissa Barden is an Occupational Therapist and Director of Total Rehab, an allied health provider based on the Gold Coast.

Since graduating in 2005, Elissa has been lucky enough to work with some amazing therapists and interdisciplinary teams, effectively strengthening her skills and augmenting her knowledge in wheelchair prescriptions, functional assessments, manual handling and home modifications.

Elissa’s comprehensive experience has led her to lecture and tutor at University, teaching future OTs the basics of foundational scripting. She has a special focus on all things seating and a passion for complex scripting, sports and disabilities, education and training, and supporting other therapists through professional development and mentorship.

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What Are Others Saying?

"I learned SO MUCH from this webinar but I almost wish it was broken up into a few different sessions as it was a lot of info to try and take in as a brand new grad!! I will definitely be referring back to the PowerPoint and the video a few times over the next 6 months that I have access to it and hope to consolidate some of the info as I put it into practice! A key take away … there is an option for everyone in terms of managing complex posture in seating which I really appreciate."

Jennifer K, Occupational Therapist

"My key takeaway from this workshop was how the head supports play such an important role in positioning. It should not be something that is breifly discussed and recommended when scripting, great insight!"

Frequently Asked Questions

Verve OT Learning Workshop Categories

Beginner

Suitable for therapists who are new to the topic area and require foundational knowledge.

The workshop assumes little or no prior experience and focuses on core concepts, terminology, frameworks and practical introductory skills.

Intermediate

Suitable for therapists who already have a basic understanding of the topic and some practical experience applying it in clinical practice.

The workshop builds on foundational knowledge and explores more detailed reasoning, application and problem-solving.

Advanced

Suitable for experienced therapists who are already working in this area regularly.

The workshop assumes strong foundational knowledge and focuses on complex clinical reasoning, nuanced decision-making, advanced application and higher-level practice considerations.

All levels

Suitable for therapists across a range of experience levels.

While some concepts may be more familiar to experienced clinicians, the content is designed to be accessible and valuable regardless of prior knowledge.

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