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Module 1 - Diagnostics Equine Athletics Techniques Case Study

Functional Assessment Module

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

Narelle Stubbs, B.appSc.(PT) M. AnimSt(Physiotherapy), PhD Candidate , Instructor

Course Dates (5 days)

January 19 - 23, 2008

January 2009 (to be announced)

> Download your registration form here! <

Offered to: Physical Therapists and Veterinarians who have graduated from the Introduction to Equine Rehabilitation Course.

Course Description: The aim of this module is to provide participants with a fundamental understanding of the practice of equine assessment and rehabilitation. Principles of neuromotor control will be introduced in conjunction with the participant developing the necessary knowledge and skills to perform a functional patient evaluation of the equine orthopedic neurological and Myofascial systems. Manual therapy techniques used in equine assessment, treatment and rehabilitation will be introduced, along with therapeutic electromodalities and therapeutic exercise prescription. This course will assist the development of clinical reasoning skills and evidence based practice such that graduates have the necessary skills to aide healing, encourage injury prevention and sports specific performance enhancement to horses, their owners and their veterinarians.
Learning Objectives:
  1. Demonstrate the ability to perform a static and dynamic functional assessment of the equine from a biomechanics perspective; conformation, posture and locomotion evaluation.
  2. Describe and demonstrate the safe utilization of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and neurotrophic muscle stimulation (Estim) in the assessment and treatment of the equine.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to perform a functional assessment of the equine patient:
    a. Evaluation of spinal and peripheral joint range of motion and functional mobility.
    b. Intervertebral, segmental and coupled motion passive and active assessment; palpation, joint end feel, quality of motion, accessory glides, and provocation tests.
    c. Evaluation of the craniocervical region including TMJ and hyoid complexes.
    d. Myofascial assessment; palpation, irritability , ligament integrity testing, neuromechanical flexibility and sensitivity and stretching of individual myofascial (musculotendinous) groups.
    e. "Basic" Functional neuromechanical and gross motor assessment of the cervicothoracic, thoracolumabar and pelvic complexes.
    f. Evaluation of the peripheral circulatory system; detection of inflammation, edema, haematoma's and effusions.
  4. Demonstrate clinical reasoning skills, utilizing knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics and pathophysiology
  5. Demonstrate the ability to develop problem solving skills; a hierarchical problem list, functional prognosis, treatment strategies and goal setting.
  6. Describe and demonstrate basic spinal and peripheral joint mobilization techniques, using applied principles and theories from; Physiotherapy (Maitland, Mulligan, McKenzie....) and osteopathic techniques.
  7. Demonstrate myofascial and neuromechanical mobilization and manipulation techniques applied from Physiotherapy and osteopathy principles.
  8. Describe fundamental neurological deficiency evaluation and rehabilitation.
  9. Create a sport specific therapeutic exercise programs for:
    a. Dynamic strength; coordinated motor function
    b. Dynamic stability
    c. Dynamic flexibility; myofascial and joint systems
    d. Neuromotor control; proprioception and mechanoreceptive activity
  10. Describe and demonstrate comprehensive assessment routines for both the neurological and orthopedic equine patient.
  11. Distinguish between an upper motor neuron lesion and lower motor neuron lesion in the equine patient.
  12. Identify and perform select tests for cranial nerves.
  13. Describe and implement a neurological treatment plan utilizing sensory integration, dural mobilization, proprioceptive functional retraining and other modified and adapted 'human' neurological rehabilitation techniques.
  14. Ability to appropriately identify treatment goals, create a treatment plan and execute various treatment skills for a wide variety of common neuromuscloskeletal problems in the equine patient.
  15. Identify and utilize outcome measures.
  16. Discuss and create a one-year start up business plan including marketing strategies.
  17. Discuss and identify ethical and legal issues as they pertain to the practice of equine rehabilitation.

Course Outline:

Day 1:
  • Classroom/Lab 8 am - 5 pm (1 hour lunch break)
  • Practice of Animal Physiotherapy
  • Introduction to Physiotherapy Assessment and Treatment Techniques
  • Critical Thinking Skills Utilizing Knowledge of Anatomy/Physiology
  • Gait Assessment, Limb Assessment (Provocation Tests) and Treatment
  • Soft Tissue Assessment and Treatment
Day 2:
  • Classroom/Lab 8 am - 5 pm (1 hour lunch break)
  • Introduction to Cervical-Thoracic-Lumbar and Pelvic Assessment
  • Clinical Reasoning
  • Ultrasonography
  • Equine Back Pain Research
  • Stretching and Neuromechanical Sensitivity
Day 3:
  • Classroom/Lab 8 am - 5 pm (1 hour lunch break)
  • Treatment Techniques Cervicothoracic and Thoracolumbar Dysfunction
  • Management of Lumbosacral and Sacroiliac Dysfunction
  • Proprioceptive Retraining Techniques
Day 4:
  • Classroom/Lab 8 am - 5 pm (1 hour lunch break)
  • Neurological Assessment and Treatment Theories and Techniques
  • Electrotherapeutic Modality Review and Trials
  • Goal Setting and Treatment Planning/Implementation for Specific Conditions
  • Case Studies, Brainstorming and Questions
  • Practical Exam
Day 5:
  • Classroom/Lab 8 am - 3 pm (1 hour lunch break)
  • Advanced Modalities Lecture/Lab
  • Outcome Measures
  • Legal Issues and Ethics of Practice
  • Discussion: Business Plan/Start Up