Mailing address: 2457 C Road • Loxahatchee, FL 33470 • (561)792-1441 • Email:

Introduction to Equine Rehabilitation Therapy

Courses are taught at The Animal Rehabilitation Institute, a beautifully landscaped 10-acre facility near West Palm Beach, Florida.

Arlene White, PT MPT Anim. St. (Physiotherapy), Instructor

Course Dates (6 days)

June 7 - 12, 2008
October 4 - 9, 2008

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Offered to: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Veterinarians, and Veterinary Technicians.

Course Description -- The purpose of this course is to provide participants with a fundamental understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of the horse as they compare to those of the human patient. Students will be introduced to the concepts of hydrotherapy, integrative therapies, and modalities used in equine rehabilitation. Skills learned in this course will allow graduates to bring benefit to horses, their owners and their veterinarians.

Learning Objectives

Describe basic anatomical differences between humans and equines.
Identify relevant musculoskeletal structures: bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, cartilages.
Build the relevant muscles and tendons of the horse on an equine skeletal model using clay. Demonstrate origin, insertion, and action of each.
Demonstrate the ability to palpate the relevant structures on live subjects.
Describe the biomechanics of joint motion, muscle action, and common injuries in the equine.
Discuss structural and functional relationships.
Assess gait abnormalities.
Recognize normal gait variables.
Understand the dynamics involved in hydrotherapy.
Discuss concepts and theories of integrative therapies including acupuncture, chiropractic, and homeopathy.
Understand the effects of modalities used in rehabilitation, including ultrasound, laser, thermal agents, manual techniques, and electrotherapy.
Discuss the unique features of a rehabilitation business.

Course Outline

Day 1	Classroom/Lab 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (1 hour lunch break) Introduction - History of Equine PT, Legal issues, marketing your business (1hr) Equine behavior and restraint (1hr) Anatomy - Equine Skeletal structure and function (1 hr) Palpation - Skeletal landmarks (1hr) Anatomy-In-Clay - Muscles of the neck and thoracic limb (3 hr) Palpation - Neck and thoracic limb (1hr)

Day 2	Classroom 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (1 hour lunch break) Biomechanics - Intro, and biomechanics of the cervical spine and thoracic limb (1hr) Anatomy-In-Clay - Muscles of the back and pelvis (2hr) Palpation - Neck, thoracic limb, biomechanics (1hr) Common Injuries - Fractures, Sprains/Strains (1hr); Thoracic limb (1hr) Biomechanics - back and pelvis (1hr) Palpation - Neck, thoracic limb, back and pelvis (1hr)

Day 3	Classroom 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (1 hour lunch break) Common Ortho Disorders-pelvis and hip (1 hr) Anatomy-In-Clay - Muscles of the pelvic limb (2 hr) Palpation - Neck, thoracic limb, back and pelvic limb (1hr) Biomechanics - pelvic limb (1 hr) Common Ortho Conditions - Pelvic limb (2 hr) Palpation - Neck, thoracic limb, back, pelvis and hind limb (1 hr)

Day 4	Classroom 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (1 hour lunch break) Equine Physiology (1 hr) Developmental Disorders of the Limbs (1 hr) Common Neurological Disorders (1 hr) Palpation - Neck, limbs, back and pelvis (2 hr) Surgical Interventions/Pathology (1 hr) Palpation/Gait Analysis (2 hr)

Day 5	Classroom 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (1 hour lunch break) Business Aspects of Rehab Practice (1.5 hr) Hydrotherapy techniques (1 hr) Integrative Therapies (1 hr) Orthopedic/Neurologic Exams with Case Examples (4.5 hr)

Day 6	Classroom 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (1 hour lunch break) Features of a Rehabilitation Business Design (1.5 hr) Therapeutic Exercises with Lab (2 hr) Physical Modalities with Lab and Case Examples (4.5 hr)

A written take-home, open-book exam will be given to each student at the close of Day 6.