What is canine rehabilitation?
Canine rehabilitation is an emerging field that recognizes that dogs, just like people, can benefit from a specific exercise program and other therapeutic modalities that decrease pain, improve fitness, and restore functioning. It is based on the same principles as physiotherapy for humans, which are to restore, maintain, and maximize strength, function, movement, and overall well being. There is a heavy emphasis on examination, evaluation, diagnosis, and physical interventions. Additionally, it values the relationships between the animal, owner, veterinarian, and other animal health care providers.
Physical Rehabilitation and Fitness/Wellness Evaluations
Canine rehabilitation includes two main branches:
1. Physical rehabilitation: This is the branch that addresses issues that have already occurred, such as acute or chronic injuries or other ongoing physical limitations.
2. Fitness and wellness: This branch strives to be proactive by preventing injuries before they happen, as well as to enhance the performance of an otherwise healthy dog (e.g. agility athletes looking to run faster courses).
What makes MCR different?
Carolyn has completed the Diploma of Canine Rehabilitation in Canada offered by ARD, which limits its enrollment to practicing human physiotherapists. Physiotherapists build on their existing skills by obtaining more than 200 hours of training in canine anatomy, biomechanics, pathology, clinical conditions, common veterinary surgical and clinical interventions, as well as assessment and treatment skills for the canine patient.
It’s important to note that this field is currently unregulated. That means that whether someone took a weekend course or has been practicing in a regulated healthcare profession for years, they can state that they offer canine rehabilitation services.
That’s what makes MCR unique- with 16 years of experience as a registered physiotherapist, Carolyn brings the following qualifications to her work:
Physical Rehabilitation and Fitness/Wellness Evaluations
Canine rehabilitation includes two main branches:
1. Physical rehabilitation: This is the branch that addresses issues that have already occurred, such as acute or chronic injuries or other ongoing physical limitations.
2. Fitness and wellness: This branch strives to be proactive by preventing injuries before they happen, as well as to enhance the performance of an otherwise healthy dog (e.g. agility athletes looking to run faster courses).
What makes MCR different?
Carolyn has completed the Diploma of Canine Rehabilitation in Canada offered by ARD, which limits its enrollment to practicing human physiotherapists. Physiotherapists build on their existing skills by obtaining more than 200 hours of training in canine anatomy, biomechanics, pathology, clinical conditions, common veterinary surgical and clinical interventions, as well as assessment and treatment skills for the canine patient.
It’s important to note that this field is currently unregulated. That means that whether someone took a weekend course or has been practicing in a regulated healthcare profession for years, they can state that they offer canine rehabilitation services.
That’s what makes MCR unique- with 16 years of experience as a registered physiotherapist, Carolyn brings the following qualifications to her work:
- A Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from McMaster University (2008)
- Graduate Certificate in Pain Management (2017)
- Certified in Small Animal Acupuncture and Dry Needling
- Graduate level training in anatomy, physiology, neurology, and exercise prescription
- Degree in Canine Rehab – Diploma of Canine Rehab
- Up to date with changes in best practices for physiotherapy interventions
- Yearly continuing education in order to update skills and bring even better services to her patients
FAQs
What does canine rehabilitation include?
Approaches to canine rehabilitation include a tailored at-home exercise program, therapeutic modalities, client education, the use of specific equipment (e.g. unstable surfaces), and use of alternative therapies (e.g. massage). Together, these help alleviate a dog’s pain, restore their function, and improve their physical abilities and overall quality of life.
How do I know if my dog would benefit from canine rehabilitation?
Your dog would benefit from canine rehabilitation if your dog...
Can my dog still benefit from canine rehabilitation if they are not injured?
Canine rehabilitation isn’t always about managing injuries. It also includes a proactive approach to fitness and wellness, intended to prevent injury and improve functioning through exercise, stretching, and other therapies. Think about it like going to the gym- we go to improve our fitness and reduce the likelihood of injuries. The same is possible for our dogs.
Can companion dogs benefit from canine rehabilitation?
Absolutely! Your dog doesn’t need to be competing or training in any sports to benefit from canine rehabilitation. There are a lot of demands we put on our dogs each day- like the twisting and turning from playing fetch at the park or the need to stabilize on our slippery kitchen floor. All dogs can benefit from decreased pain and improved fitness.
Do I need a vet referral?
ARD strongly advocates that rehabilitation of animals be provided by properly trained physiotherapists upon veterinary referral if an animal is lame, injured or requires post-surgical services. We work in conjunction and collaboratively with veterinarians to provide the best possible care for your dog. If your dog is coming in for fitness evaluation (or pre rehabilitation) a vet referral is not needed.
How do I get started?
Join The Canine Athlete Pack FB Community!
Get in touch by:
e-mail: [email protected]
phone: 519-829-5529
Facebook: Like our page McIntyre Rehabilitation and send us a message
Approaches to canine rehabilitation include a tailored at-home exercise program, therapeutic modalities, client education, the use of specific equipment (e.g. unstable surfaces), and use of alternative therapies (e.g. massage). Together, these help alleviate a dog’s pain, restore their function, and improve their physical abilities and overall quality of life.
How do I know if my dog would benefit from canine rehabilitation?
Your dog would benefit from canine rehabilitation if your dog...
- has had an accident, trauma, or an injury that is limiting movement or causing pain
- has had recent surgery
- is not functioning or performing to the best of their abilities
- performs in competitive activities/sports (e.g. agility, flyball, dock diving)
- has developed a behavioural problem for no apparent reason
- has a sore back when you pet or brush it
- has developed weakness anywhere
- is getting older and has any degenerative changes, such as arthritis
Can my dog still benefit from canine rehabilitation if they are not injured?
Canine rehabilitation isn’t always about managing injuries. It also includes a proactive approach to fitness and wellness, intended to prevent injury and improve functioning through exercise, stretching, and other therapies. Think about it like going to the gym- we go to improve our fitness and reduce the likelihood of injuries. The same is possible for our dogs.
Can companion dogs benefit from canine rehabilitation?
Absolutely! Your dog doesn’t need to be competing or training in any sports to benefit from canine rehabilitation. There are a lot of demands we put on our dogs each day- like the twisting and turning from playing fetch at the park or the need to stabilize on our slippery kitchen floor. All dogs can benefit from decreased pain and improved fitness.
Do I need a vet referral?
ARD strongly advocates that rehabilitation of animals be provided by properly trained physiotherapists upon veterinary referral if an animal is lame, injured or requires post-surgical services. We work in conjunction and collaboratively with veterinarians to provide the best possible care for your dog. If your dog is coming in for fitness evaluation (or pre rehabilitation) a vet referral is not needed.
How do I get started?
Join The Canine Athlete Pack FB Community!
Get in touch by:
e-mail: [email protected]
phone: 519-829-5529
Facebook: Like our page McIntyre Rehabilitation and send us a message