This intensive hands-on workshop is designed for advanced animal rehabilitation professionals who want to elevate their clinical skills in the diagnosis and treatment of muscle and tendon dysfunctions.

From companion animals to canine athletes, working dogs, and post-surgical patients, muscle and tendon dysfunctions are among the most common yet challenging presentations we see. This workshop will give you the understanding of the mechanisms behind muscular imbalance, chronic overload, tendinopathy, and compensatory patterns that alter performance and delay recovery.

Participants will learn advanced, new and exciting techniques to treat muscle and tendon dysfunctions, gaining incredible results by blending manual therapy, functional rehabilitation, and evidence-based decision making.

Key Focus Areas

Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics – Advanced clinical assessment skills which integrate muscle/tendon and the musculoskeletal system and joint biomechanics.
Assessment and Clinical Reasoning – Develop accuracy in identifying the true source of dysfunction through palpation, evaluation, movement testing, and neuromuscular analysis.
Manual Therapy Techniques – Exciting and advanced soft tissue techniques. Combining various advanced muscle/tendon treatment techniques with movement and joint mobilization specifically designed to advance your skills in treating muscle/tendon dysfunction.
Rehabilitation and Strength Progressions – Build structured, progressive exercise plans to restore balanced muscle activation, proprioception, and long-term tendon resilience.
Clinical integration – Combine manual therapy with targeted exercise and modalities such as laser, PEMF, and EMS to enhance tissue healing and performance outcomes.
Learn techniques to treat challenging patients such as muscle contractures.
Practical skills to differentiate primary vs. compensatory problems with confidence.
Gain the confidence to manage complex muscular and tendinous conditions from start to finish.

Elena Saltis

BSc, NZPT, APA, CCRT
Owner & Director, Animal Physio NZ, Christchurch, New Zealand

Elena Saltis received her undergraduate degree in Physical Therapy at Ohio State University. She started PhysiotherapyNZ Limited, a prominent, successful, multi-clinic human Physio business in the South Island of New Zealand. She went on to obtain her certificate in canine rehabilitation (CCRT) from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI). After graduating she continued to hone her skills, attending post graduate courses at CRI, further study through the Australian Physiotherapy Association – Special Interest Group, and multiple internships at various facilities. Elena went on to become an instructor for CRI in both the US and Australia, and presented at numerous international conferences.

Elena is passionate about giving back and imparting her therapy skills on animals most in need. She established a rehabilitation clinic in Spain in partnership with the Galgo Rescue sanctuary. She started Street Tails, a charity providing veterinary and physical therapy services to the pets of people who are homeless. Also, she developed Canine NeuroPark Charity Trust, a private rehabilitation and enrichment park in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Sessions:: Fri. May 1st, 8:30am - 12:45pm
Credits:: 4.0 RACE approval pending; 4.0 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.