4 Legged Friends - Canine Rehabilitation and Fitness

03/16/2025

Skye was my model patient yesterday 💜 💜
She was even willing to demonstrate some of her stretching exercises for the camera.

03/03/2025

My favourite Borders came for a visit today.
Love these 2 characters 💜💜
Lisa Petterson - Canine Fitness and Conditioning Coach

02/14/2025

This applies to Dog Physio as well!
Great explanation!! 💜💜

“Rehabilitation” is one of the most abused words right now in the equine space

Physical therapy is a protected term - you can only say you that are doing “physical therapy” if you are a licensed physical therapist. Just like you can only practice “veterinary medicine” as a veterinarian.

Rehabilitation, on the other hand, is free for anyone to use. This is appropriate, because there are a number or professionals who are key in a rehabilitation program; but it also leaves it open for use by unqualified people.

Other professionals have warned my clients not to pursue “rehabilitation” for horses with conditions like ECVM or EPM because when they think of rehab they think of swimming or the underwater treadmill or generic “poles and hillwork” exercises.

These professionals are right! That kind of “rehab” would not be appropriate for these horses. But to me that is not “rehab” at all.

An exercise program prescribed without a thorough assessment and without modifications and progressions individualized to the patient based on that assessment is not rehabilitation at all...

That is a wellness program.

It’s the difference between you going to a workout class at the gym and coming to see me at the physical therapy clinic.

That class at the gym is likely to be beneficial for the average person, some basic modifications can be made, but the general exercise program is the same for everyone in the class. It’s wellness.

As a physical therapist, when I’m working with a horse on a rehabilitation program, assessment is key. That’s the years of education and training that you are really paying me for. Assessment informs the original exercise program. Assessment informs modifications made throughout the session. Assessment informs when and how quickly we progress. Assessment informs changes we make to the plan as we monitor the horse’s progress.

If the professional you are using is not trained in joint assessment, they are not rehabilitating that joint.

If the professional is not trained in ligament assessment, they are not rehabilitating that ligament.

If the professional is not trained in muscle assessment, they are not rehabilitating that muscle.

If the professional is not trained in hoof assessment, they are not rehabilitating that foot.

We live in a “buyer beware” society when it comes to equine rehabilitation. Make sure the people you are hiring to help you with your horse are really trained to provide the services they are advertising!

Maintenance and wellness are very important pieces of the healthcare system. Professionals providing these services are needed and are a valuable part of the team.

Just don’t call it rehab, please.

12/20/2024

https://petadvocare.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2ZkwHrp7pJw9Qdeyvfsi41b0jv13AYxoRmW5c5069T6uJkql2UjD4MCZ8_aem_7v7jPLUsOKChQijY22jTpg

Review the breadth and severity of reported side effects, the importance of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) in your pet, resources to help a pet in crisis and more.

11/12/2024

The bestest Border Collies (Mari & Ba Lisa Petterson - Canine Fitness and Conditioning Coach) came for a visit today & got to try out the new fleece cover for the PEMF mat made by
The covers were a perfect fit 💖
🙏

05/05/2024

Sweet boy Dexter has been coming for Physio to help deal with the pain associated with a cranky nerve issue in his neck. Along with some pain meds from his veterinarian, Dexter is receiving Acupuncture, Laser, gentle mobilizations & exercises to help him get through this acute phase. Post treatment he’s back to letting the cat sit on him 💜💜🩷🩷

04/15/2024

Can you guess what injury may lead to this alteration in gait?

04/15/2024

Meet Max 💜
Max is a 14 year old black lab who underwent bilateral TPLO surgery when he was 2 years old. He has done extremely well but now in his older years has developed back & hip pain along with hind end weakness.
Our 1st session included Acupuncture, Laser & a few strengthening exercises.

Max’s owner is thrilled as she noticed improvements in his gait by the next day. 💜💜

04/12/2024

My first Vizsla Kosmo passed away from Hemangiosarcoma. Such a devastating diagnosis but there is some new hope if your dog is diagnosed with splenic Hemangiosarcoma 💔

Dr. Chand Khanna, a veterinary oncologist and researcher, summarizes three key messages of hope stemming from an ongoing clinical trial of dogs with ruptured...

01/22/2024

The Pumi’s Dexi & Ben - multi-sport canine athletes in for their maintenance/wellness checks. Have you ever seen these 2 so relaxed? Dexi is even lying on her side (anyone that knows Dexi knows this is a rare occurrence!!) 💜💜

01/19/2024

Dogs (not unlike humans) live better lives if they can spend time with their friends. 💕

Abstract. Exposure to social environmental adversity is associated with health and survival across many social species, including humans. However, little is kno

01/17/2024

With our chilly 🥶 temperatures it’s important to know how to protect your pups & know signs of Frostbite

Are you worried your dog could get frostbite this winter? Here’s expert vet advice on the best ways to prevent and treat symptoms.