Equine Rehabilitation Certification

Techniques Module

Arlene White, PT SM Anim. St. (physiotherapy), Instructor

Course Dates

June 13 - 16, 2008
October 10 - 13, 2008

> Download your registration form here! <

Offered to: Physical Therapy Assistants and Veterinary Technicians who have graduated from the Introduction to Equine Rehababilitation Course.

Course Description: The purpose of this course is to provide the participant with a fundamental understanding of functional Equine anatomy, therapeutic modalities, therapeutic exercise, the essentials of neurological rehabilitation, entry level manual therapy, massage therapy, stretching, outcome measures, treatment selection based on clinical cases, and the laws regarding the practice of rehabilitation for animals. Skills learned in this course will allow the participant to function as an integral part of the Equine rehabilitation team.

1. Demonstrate the ability to identify a musculoskeletal problem by observing an alteration of muscle function.
2. Understand specific muscle function in a select group of equine muscles.
3. Describe and demonstrate safe utilization and/or parameter setting for therapeutic modalities including Ultrasound, Electrical Muscle Stim, Laser, Cold and Heat.
4. Demonstrate the ability to create therapeutic exercise programs for:
   a) Strength
   b) Weight bearing
   c) ROM or active stretching
   d) Proprioception
5. Demonstrate the ability to perform a basic orthopedic or neurological evaluation of the equine patient including:
   a) Range of motion, palpation and stretching
   b) Assessment of muscle girth
   c) Detection of edema and effusion
   d) Palpation for spinal, pelvis or TMJ pain
   e) Basic neurological tests
6. Describe and implement a neurological treatment plan utilizing sensory integration, proprioceptive and functional retraining, modalities, supportive and alternative care.
7. Demonstrate the ability to appropriately identify treatment goals, create a treatment plan and execute various treatment skills for a wide variety of common neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, both individual and in combination, in the equine patient.
8. Understand the business aspects and create the proper forms to maintain communication between the veterinarian, the client and yourself.

• Functional Anatomy (2 hours)
• Therapeutic modalities (3 hours)
• Therapeutic Exercises (3 hours)

• Functional Anatomy (2 hours)
• Neurological Rehabilitation (3 hours)
• Massage and Stretching (3 hours)

• Therapeutic Exercises (3 hours)
• Advanced Massage and Body Work (1.5 hr)
• Outcome measures (0.5 hours)
• Ethics and the Law (1 hour)
• Student Lead discussions / Question & Answer (2 hour)