In this lecture and lab on pain management in veterinary rehabilitation patients, we will start with the fundamentals of pain physiology, exploring the mechanisms behind acute and chronic pain, including the development of central sensitization. This process, in which the nervous system becomes more sensitive to stimuli over time, plays a crucial role in chronic pain and is essential to understanding how rehabilitation can effectively address chronic pain. We will focus on clinical recognition of chronic pain and how to conduct thorough, efficient pain assessments to identify underlying nociceptive processes. The course will then cover the development of evidence-based pain management plans, emphasizing strategies that target the nociceptive pathways and incorporating the concept of neuroplasticity—how the nervous system can adapt in response to intervention. This knowledge will guide the selection of appropriate oral medications and supplements, and nutraceuticals, as well as the use of infusions for more intensive pain management. In addition to pharmacological approaches, we will explore a range of non-pharmacologic interventions. We will review analgesic modalities like heat and cold application, therapeutic exercise, acupuncture/pressure, PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field therapy), extracorporeal shockwave therapy, massage and manual therapy, and laser therapy. By the end of the session, students will be equipped to create comprehensive, multimodal pain management plans tailored to each patient’s individual needs, ensuring effective and compassionate care for those in pain.

Outline

Lecture Overview: 1 hour 15 min

Topics to be covered:

Fundamentals of pain physiology, including: Mechanisms of acute vs. chronic pain, The role of central sensitization in chronic pain syndromes, Understanding neuroplasticity and its relevance to rehabilitation, the role of myofascial pain in chronic pain syndromes.
A key focus will be on the clinical recognition of chronic pain, including how to conduct efficient assessments to identify signs of pain and uncover underlying nociceptive processes.
Developing a Multimodal Pain Management Plan: building evidence-based pain management strategies tailored to each patient.
Pharmacologic/Supplement Options: oral medications, supplements, nutraceuticals, and infusions
Non-Pharmacologic Interventions: Therapeutic exercise, Manual therapies, including massage and myofascial techniques, heat and cold therapy, laser therapy, PEMF, ESWT, Acupuncture and acupressure

Hands-On Lab: 6 hours and 30 min workshop wetlabs with live dogs (break as needed)

Practice pain assessment techniques
Evaluate live patients for signs of chronic pain
Develop and apply multimodal pain management plans
Gain hands-on experience with a variety of therapeutic modalities
Round table and case discussion of pain management choices

Lindsey Fry

DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVPP, cVMA
Owner, Red Sage Integrative Veterinary Partners, Fort Collins, CO, US

Dr. Lindsey Fry grew up in Boulder, Colorado and attended Colorado State University for veterinary school. As a veterinary student, she became certified in medical veterinary acupuncture, and her passion for pain management and mobility was sparked.

She completed her rehabilitation training and certification (CCRP) through the University of Tennessee in 2011, and became a certified veterinary pain practitioner through the International Veterinary Academy for Pain Management (IVAPM) in 2013. She went on to serve as board member of the IVAPM and subsequently as treasurer.

Dr. Fry practices in Fort Collins, CO where she focuses on an integrative approach to pain and mobility management in a wide variety of patients, offering regenerative medicine, rehabilitation, palliative care, sports medicine, and pain management. In 2023 she achieved board certification through the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (DACVSMR).

Dr. Fry has published on acupuncture, pain management, iliopsoas injury in agility dogs, palliative care, and continues to have a special interest in pain management in complex cases and a multimodal approach to keeping pets active and mobile. She enjoys teaching and lecturing with a variety of organizations and continues to pursue research in pain management, sports medicine and rehabilitation.

Dr. Fry lives in Fort Collins with her husband and two adventurous daughters and a full menagerie of pets.

Sessions:: Thurs. Apr. 30th, 8:30am - 6:30pm
Credits:: 8.0 RACE approval pending; 8.0 NYSED-approved
Course Rating:: Intermediate: CCRP, CCRT, CCAT
Advanced: DVM/VMD, PT, VT, CCRA, CCRVN
Policies:: To request a refund, please complete and postmark this Workshop Cancellation Form by March 28, 2026. Refunds exclude a $25 processing fee.