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What is Physical Rehabilitation?

Physical Rehabilitation is a fusion of traditional veterinary medicine and physical therapy.

What makes a CCRT unique?

Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapists (CCRT) are veterinarians or physical therapists who undergo rigorous post-graduate training, examinations, and internships.

Your pet's evaluation is much different than what you have experienced in a traditional veterinary practice. You should expect the appointment time to take a bit longer as the CCRT completes a comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluation, including:

Pain Evaluation
Functional Evaluation (lameness evaluation, strength, and activities of daily living)
Myofascial Examination (muscle flexibility, muscle atrophy, muscle dysfunction, trigger points, and adhesions)
Joint Mobility Assessment
Orthopedic Evaluation (special tests and joint range of motion)
Neurologic Evaluation (proprioception, balance, reflexes, and muscle control)
Athletic Ability (endurance, strength, cardiovascular health, and agility)

After completing the Evaluation and identifying target areas of concern, an individualized treatment plan is formulated. These plans may include pain management, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, modalities, activity restrictions, and conditioning to return to regular activity or sport.

Your pet's treatment may be done at home, in a department within a veterinary practice, or a stand-alone rehabilitation practice. CCRTs typically employ Certified Canine Veterinary Technicians/Nurses (CCRVT/ CCRVN) and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistants (CCRA) who can execute their care plan.

You will likely also be advised on weight management techniques, nutritional supplements, home assistive devices, activity "dos and don'ts," and more.

Physical Rehabilitation is rapidly expanding globally since pet owners recognize that their pets require more than just standard crate rest and pain relief. Customers seek to learn about all the possibilities accessible to their pets and wish to collaborate with their rehabilitation therapist to provide the best care for their pets.

Please Note: We strongly believe the rehabilitation team should consist of a Rehabilitation Certified Veterinarian or Physical Therapist and Rehabilitation Certified Technicians/Assistants. We feel it is inappropriate for Rehabilitation Certified Veterinary Technicians/Nurses/Assistants to evaluate patients, develop treatment plans, or make recommendations without the oversight of a CCRT, as this is beyond their scope of practice.

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How Can Acupuncture Help My Pet?

Acupuncture involves inserting small, thin, stainless-steel needles into specific points or areas on the body to positively affect the nervous and physiologic systems. This method sends signals through the tissues and nerves to the spinal cord and brain, releasing chemicals in the brain and bloodstream. Consequently, the body responds with improved healing.

Acupuncture has been found to effectively trigger the body's natural pain-relieving mechanisms, known as endogenous opioids, while also promoting healing and balance by boosting serotonin production within the body's system.

Pets with a variety of conditions can benefit from Acupuncture, including:

Chronic pain states such as osteoarthritis, neck or back pain.
Neurologic dysfunction such as spinal cord injuries, neuropathies, and peripheral nerve injuries.
Medical conditions such as gastrointestinal irregularity, organ dysfunction, and dermatologic lesions.

CRI's Certified Veterinary Acupuncture Therapists (CVAT) are veterinarians that have undergone additional training and testing in acupuncture. Their training is a blend of Eastern and Western approaches to acupuncture therapy.