The University of Tennessee

University Outreach and Continuing Education


Canine V - Joint Mobilization and Lower Level Laser

A minimum of one elective is required for all participants..

Prerequisites

Participant must:
  • Participant must be a veterinarian, veterinary technician, physical therapist, physical therapist assistant or an actively enrolled student in on of these fields.

Course Description:

This elective is designed to introduce the participant to the concepts of joint mobilization as they relate to the canine patient. Participants need to be either physical therapists or veterinarians with a basic knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and manual skills as it relates to the dog. Physical therapy assistants and licensed or certified veterinarian technicians may also take the course, but a basic knowledge of canine anatomy and manual skills must be present. Principles of joint mobilization will be discussed, including the goals of treatment and functional outcome. Specific mobilization techniques for each joint, including the spinal region, will be discussed, demonstrated and practiced. Applications to specific cases will then be discussed and reviewed.

An introduction to low-energy lasers will be provided inclusive of principles, application, research and case studies. Specific treatment principles will be discussed as they apply to the treatment of pain, spasticity, inflammation, and other disorders.

Seminar Outline

Day 1

  • Introduction to Joint Mobilization and principles
  • Safety, contradictions, indications
  • Break
  • Lab Session: Evaluation of forelimb
  • Indications and contraindications to treatment, safety issues
  • LUNCH
  • Lab Session: Evaluation of the hindlimb
  • Introduction to vertebral mobilizations
  • Break
  • Lab Session: Specific mobilizations on forelimb, hindlimb and spine

Day 2

  • Introduction to Mulligan techniques: C-NAG and C-SNAG
  • Lab Session
  • Break
  • Introduction to Laser principles
  • LUNCH
  • Clinical and research applications of Laser
  • Demonstrations and lab with Laser
  • Wrap-up, case studies, questions and answers

Learning Outcomes:

After successful completion of this course, the participant should be able to: • The participant will gain a basic knowledge of the principles of joint mobilization as they relate to the dog.
  • The participant will learn the indications, contraindications, and safety precautions for the application of joint mobilization techniques to the dog.
  • The participant will gain a basic knowledge and the anatomy of each joint of the canine sekelton as it applies to joint mobilization techniques.
  • The participant will gain hands on experience of how to apply the techniques to dogs.
  • The participant will gain a basic understanding of the applications of the specific joint mobilization techniques for a variety of diagnosis.
  • The participant will gain a basic understanding of how to incorporate the joint mobilization techniques to their canine patient population.
  • The participant will gain a basic understanding of Laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) and how it applies to the rehabilitation of the small animal patient.
  • The participant will be able to apply the basic principles of the Laser to develop a treatment plan for the small animal patient.