The Animal Rehabilitation Association of Canada is a group of physiotherapists with a special interest in Animal Rehabilitation (Animal Rehabilitation Therapists). Physiotherapists have in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, stages of healing, and principles of rehabilitation. ARAC members have the opportunity to expand their knowledge base to include animals and their unique needs. ARAC offers diploma programs in both Canine and Equine Rehabilitation as well as advanced continuing education courses.
Clinical Practice
The Assessment
Qualified Animal Rehabilitation Therapists complete a thorough assessment which includes gait analysis, ligament integrity testing, muscle and tendon tests, spinal and peripheral joint testing, strength, symmetry and balance testing, as well as upper and lower motor neuron reflex testing.
Once all of the testing is complete, the Animal Rehabilitation Therapist formulates a clinical impression and summary of how a problem is affecting overall function and movement.
The Rehabilitation Plan
The Animal Rehabilitation Therapist uses critical reasoning to create a rehabilitation plan specific to the needs of each animal, taking into account the nature of the injury/illness, the stage of healing (acute, subacute, chronic), the animal owner’s goals for function and activity, the age of the animal, any underlying medical conditions (diagnosed by their veterinarian), and the ability of the owner to carry out a home program.
ARAC promotes collaboration with the referring veterinarians and other allied animal health care professionals to achieve the best outcomes of care for patients and their owners. ARAC is committed to providing continued professional development for physiotherapists providing animal rehabilitative care to ensure best outcomes of quality care and interventions.
Animal Rehabilitation Plan Components
Modalities (ultrasound, LASER, shockwave, electrical muscle stimulation, etc) to reduce pain and inflammation, and to promote healing
Manual therapy – specific movements following the normal arthrokinematics of a joint to improve movement, reduce pain, give proprioceptive feedback, and decrease muscle tone.
Massage and Myofascial release to improve circulation,decrease pain and improve movement.
Afferent nerve stimulation to maximize function of patent neural pathways for animals with degenerative conditions
Gait retraining for animals who have had an amputation or are recovering from orthopedic injuries or neurosurgery.
Specific targeted and progressive exercises to improve strength, proprioception, balance, flexibility, power, neuromuscular function and endurance depending on the goals of rehabilitation.
Home exercise program based on the rehabilitation goals, the home environment and the animal’s abilities as well as those of the owner.
Regular reassessment and progression of the rehabilitation based on the patient’s improvement and the stages of healing.
