Similarities and Differences of Physical Therapy for People and Physical Rehabilitation for Animals with Chris Cranston, MPT, CCRP

Chris Cranston, MPT, CCRP, as both a Physical Therapist and a Small Animal Rehabilitationist, often hears, "I didn't know there is Physical Therapy for dogs," quickly followed by, "What conditions do you treat? And how do you do it?" The truth is that the techniques used for people (manual therapies, therapeutic exercises, modalities, education) and expected outcomes (decreased pain, improved function, increased strength, restored motion) are very similar for animals. Practically anything that is treated in people with physical therapy (orthopedic, neurologic, obesity, conditioning) can be treated in pets.  Of course, there are some notable differences!  Pets can’t speak so picking up on nonverbal signals and gaining trust is part of the PT skillset. They also can’t do exercises on their own, so owner and pets must work together for treatment to work.  However, anatomy, biomechanics, and disease processes are more similar than different. Listen to Chris, as one of the first 100 certified canine rehabilitation practitioners in the world, share her lesson from 20 years of working with animals in Massachusetts.  But according to Chris, whether treating people or animals, the satisfaction of helping them to feel better and improve their function is rewarding, fulfilling, and just plain awesome!Find Chris at PetAbility or email her at [email protected], a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor)  Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22  to receive discounts from our affiliates!Jope - science-backed supplements Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework  Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with catsHedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowni...