Physical Rehab

Physical rehabilitation involves the diagnosis and management of patients with either painful or functionally limiting mobility issues, particularly those afflicted by orthopedic or neurological conditions. The goal of rehabilitation is to achieve the highest level of function and quality of life possible for that patient. Rehabilitation can assist animals in recovery from surgery, injury, loss of mobility, weakness, or pain. After many orthopedic surgeries, rehab therapies can help aid in a faster recovery for pets. Rehabilitation practitioners can also size animals for different types of assistive devices such as wheelchairs, harnesses, or braces. Physical rehabilitation includes using specific stretching and exercises, massage/manual therapies, and therapeutic modalities. Whether it is a geriatric dog suffering from arthritis or a sporting dog with a soft tissue injury, rehab can be a great way to help decrease pain, strengthen pets, and ultimately improve their quality of life.

Patients suffering from any of the conditions listed below can potentially benefit from physical rehabilitation:

Arthritis
Cruciate ligament tears
Orthopedic Fractures
Hip/elbow dysplasia
Amputees
Obesity
Intervertebral disc disease
Fibrocartilaginous embolism
Degenerative myelopathy

Dr. Markie Howard, DVM, CCRP

The CCRP stands for a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner.

Markie Howard grew up surrounded by engineers, both parents and both siblings, so she loved the idea of focusing on the mechanical aspects of animals as well as creating mobility devices for them. After several externships in vet school involving the creation of different prosthetics, orthotics, and braces for animals, she was hooked. She found that the veterinarians that worked most with form and function of limbs and mobility were veterinarians specializing in physical rehabilitation. She eventually obtained her certification to become a rehabilitation practitioner through the CCRP program at the University of Tennessee in 2017.