Dynamic Movement in Cerebral Palsy: The Bamboo Brace for Pediatric Therapy Support and Development

wiredondevelopment
Jul 25
5 min read

Updated: Jul 26

Michael J. Workman PT, C/NDT

The Bamboo Brace and Dynamic Interventions

From Paper Tubes to Clinical Innovation – The Story Behind The Bamboo Brace

What happens when two seasoned pediatric physical therapists encounter the same clinical problem over and over—without an effective solution in sight? If you’re Michael J. Workman, PT, C/NDT, and Sue Workman, PT, MA, you invent one.

In this episode, we delve into the origin and evolution of The Bamboo Brace, a dynamic elbow support developed by Professional Therapies in Salt Lake City, Utah. Originally crafted from paper towel rolls, newspaper, and Coban wrap, The Bamboo Brace was born from the Workmans' need to support elbow extension without compromising motor skill development in children with hemiplegia.

More than a brace, it's a clinically-informed tool grounded in neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) principles—addressing upper extremity function, postural stability, and transitional movement patterns. From its humble beginnings to a globally used therapy device, Michael shares how necessity, clinical creativity, and collaboration shaped an innovation that’s empowering children and young adults with cerebral palsy and related conditions.

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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.

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Podcast Highlights

03:00 minutes - The Genesis of the Bamboo Brace
03:36 minutes - NDT Training and Its Impact
05:25 minutes - Dynamic Bracing: From Static to Dynamic
05:48 minutes - Exploring the Bamboo Brace
07:09 minutes - The Evolution of Bracing Techniques
08:39 minutes - The Importance of Dynamic Movement
16:55 minutes - Parental Involvement and Home Programs
20:08 minutes - The Science Behind Dynamic Bracing
28:49 minutes - Clinical Insights and Case Studies
33:14 minutes - Tinkering with Bamboo Braces
33:56 minutes - Addressing Behavior Management Concerns
36:50 minutes - Using Bamboo Braces for Different Diagnoses
41:12 minutes - Introducing Braces to Children
48:56 minutes - Business Insights: Bringing a Product to Market
52:31 minutes - Advice for New Pediatric Therapists
56:54 minutes - Exciting Developments and Final Thoughts

Biography

**About Michael J. Workman, PT, C/NDT A Pediatric Physical Therapist & Innovator**

Michael J. Workman is a seasoned pediatric physical therapist with over 30 years of experience supporting children and young adults in achieving greater functional independence. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from The State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1993, followed by a second degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Utah in 1994. Early in his career, he trained at United Cerebral Palsy and NYU’s Rusk Institute, where he developed a deep commitment to children with complex neurodevelopmental needs.

Michael became certified in Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Treatment (C/NDT) in 1995 and later earned certification in Neurodevelopmental Baby Treatment in 2001. His diverse clinical background includes acute care, school-based therapy, and outpatient pediatric rehabilitation. In 1997, he and his wife Sue Workman, also a physical therapist, relocated to Utah and co-founded Professional Therapies, a practice known for its individualized, excellence-driven care. Together, they have mentored students and collaborated with specialty clinics treating children with diagnoses such as Spina Bifida, Prader-Willi syndrome, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and rare trisomies.

Recognizing a recurring challenge in therapy sessions, Michael invented The Bamboo Brace—a dynamic elbow support that aids children in transitioning from floor mobility to upright posture without hindering motor development. He now serves as President and lead developer at Bamboo Brace, where he continues to design therapist-informed tools that support real-world movement and enhance lives.

Beyond clinical work, Michael is committed to improving access to mobility equipment for underserved individuals. He serves as the Equipment Placement Director for Ability Found, a nonprofit organization that provides essential medical and mobility devices to those in need. Through his leadership and innovation, Michael continues to advance the field of pediatric rehabilitation while championing independence and participation for all.

Learn more or get involved at abilityfound.org.

People Mentioned

Sue Workman is a dedicated physical therapist with over 30 years of diverse clinical experience spanning acute care, rehabilitation, outpatient therapy, and pediatric settings. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College in 1991 and began her career in New York City, where she gained broad experience in both hospital and private practice environments. While working full-time at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, she also completed a Master of Arts in Applied Physiology from Columbia University in 1994.

Sue later joined the Mount Sinai Medical Center, where she met her husband and professional partner, Michael Workman, PT, C/NDT. Together, they would go on to combine their clinical expertise and shared passion for pediatrics to co-found Professional Therapies and later, The Bamboo Brace Inc.

After relocating to Salt Lake City in 1997, Sue worked full-time at Shriners Hospital for Children before shifting her focus to home health and school-based physical therapy while raising four children of her own. Today, she provides physical therapy services across multiple school districts and charter schools in Utah, while also serving as Vice President and Co-owner of The Bamboo Brace Inc.

Sue is certified in CranioSacral Therapy and has pursued extensive continuing education across a range of specialized PT techniques. She brings a strong clinical background, thoughtful innovation, and a heart for service to her work—committed to helping children and families thrive through high-quality, flexible support products and exceptional customer care.