Some of the main topics each session will cover include:
Session 1 Online
An in-depth look at muscle, tendon and joint physiology and function. Ways to develop strong tissue to avoid injury and rehabilitation tools to assist healing after injury. The use of and mechanism of action of laser, therapeutic ultrasound, vibration plate, TENS, PEMF, hyperbaric therapy and stem cells are presented.
Session 2 Onsite
Cardiac and muscle issues for the performance horse. Conditioning and monitoring progress. The role of physical therapists in equine rehabilitation. Thermal therapy, resistance bands and kinesiotape. Adaptations of the athlete to training and extreme conditions.
Labs with demonstration and hands-on use of rehabilitation tools, monitoring equipment and developing new exam skills.
Session 3 Online
Using information from sessions 1 & 2 we will look at how the parts work together to create high level performance. Understand normal function and signs of dysfunction that may be a precursor to injury. Mechanisms of pain, sequelae of chronic pain and tissue changes in response to pain. The role of fascia in the body and fascial therapies. The effect of the foal’s environment on future athletic performance, and issues of conditioning young horses that are still growing. Nutrition at different levels of training. Underwater treadmill, swimming and using these tool in both rehabilitation and conditioning.
Session 4 Onsite
No foot; no horse. In-depth look at hoof structures and balance. Shoeing methods and corrections as well as veterinarian-farrier relationships. Performance profiling and saddle fit. Planning and case management both before and after injury. Integrating rehabilitation into practice and running an equine rehabilitation facility.
Labs hands-on practice with tools and therapies, hoof balance and corrections, saddle fit, and movement assessment exam