Learning Objectives:

1. Demonstrate the ability to identify a musculoskeletal problem by observing an alteration of muscle function.
2. Understand specific muscle function in a select group of equine muscles.
3. Describe and demonstrate safe utilization and/or parameter setting for therapeutic modalities including Ultrasound, Electrical Muscle Stim, Laser, Cold and Heat.
4. Demonstrate the ability to create therapeutic exercise programs for:
   a) Strength
   b) Weight bearing
   c) ROM or active stretching
   d) Proprioception
5. Demonstrate the ability to perform a basic orthopedic or neurological assessment of the equine patient including:
   a) Range of motion, palpation and stretching
   b) Assessment of muscle girth
   c) Detection of edema and effusion
   d) Palpation for spinal, pelvis or TMJ pain
   e) Basic neurological tests
6. Describe and implement a neurological treatment plan utilizing sensory integration, proprioceptive and functional retraining, modalities, supportive and alternative care.
7. Demonstrate the ability to appropriately identify treatment goals, utilize a treatment plan and execute various treatment skills for a wide variety of common neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, both individual and in combination, in the equine patient.
8. Understand the business aspects and create the proper forms to maintain communication between the veterinarian, physical therapist,  the client and yourself.

Course Outline:

Day 1: Classroom / Lab 8AM - 5PM (1 hr lunch break)

• Functional Anatomy (2 hours)
• Case Studies Review (3 hours)
• Therapeutic Exercises (3 hours)

Day 2: Classroom / Lab 8AM - 5PM (1 hr lunch break)

• Functional Anatomy (2 hours)
• Neurological Rehabilitation (3 hours)
• Massage and Stretching (3 hours)

Day 3: Classroom: 8AM - 5PM (1 hour lunch break)

• Therapeutic Exercises (3 hours)
• Advanced Massage and Body Work (1.5 hr)
• Outcome measures (0.5 hours)
• Ethics and the Law (1 hour)
• Student Lead discussions / Question & Answer (2 hour)                   

Day 4: Classroom: 8AM - 5PM (1 hour lunch break)

• Therapeutic Modalities Lecture (2 hrs)
• Therapeutic Modalities Lab (5 hrs)
• Review (1 hr)