Includes breakfast, lunch, and mid-day snacks

Drawing from over 25 years of clinical experience, this advanced course delivers evidence-informed manual therapy techniques proven effective in canine rehabilitation. Participants will deepen their knowledge of biomechanics, arthrokinematics, and soft tissue dynamics while gaining supervised, hands-on training in joint mobilization, myofascial release, and targeted manual interventions. By the end of this course, practitioners will confidently integrate joint mobilization strategies into clinical practice to address restrictions, restore mobility, and optimize recovery in canine patients with orthopedic dysfunctions.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to
- Assess joint mobility and identify compensatory patterns in the hip, stifle, hock, shoulder, elbow, and carpus.
- Apply graded mobilization techniques tailored to specific joints and pathologies.
- Understand tissue healing timelines and adapt mobilization strategies accordingly.
- Integrate joint mobilization with therapeutic exercise and neuromuscular re-education in comprehensive rehab plans.
- Improve outcomes for both post-operative and conservatively managed orthopedic conditions such as cranial cruciate ligament tears, hip dysplasia, and glenohumeral joint instability.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations

Principles of joint mobilization, myofascial release, and soft tissue techniques
Indications, contraindications, and safety considerations
Review of thoracic and pelvic limb anatomy and arthrokinematics

Module 2: Assessment & Clinical Reasoning

Evaluation strategies for joint and soft tissue restrictions
Identifying hypo/hypermobility and common dysfunction patterns
Palpation skills and bony landmark identification

Module 3: Forelimb Application

Demonstration and practice of joint mobilization techniques for the shoulder, elbow, and carpus
Soft tissue and myofascial release applications for the forelimb
Clinical indications and contraindications

Module 4: Hindlimb Application

Demonstration and practice of joint mobilization techniques for the hip, stifle, and hock
Soft tissue and myofascial release applications for the hindlimb
Clinical indications and contraindications

Module 5: Integration & Advanced Techniques

Applying advanced manual techniques to address complex restrictions
Case-based clinical application and guided practice
Q&A session and course wrap-up

Ria Acciani

MPT, CCRP, IADN cert.
Co-Owner, Advanced Canine Rehabilitation Center, Warren, New Jersey, US

Ria Acciani received her Masters in Physical Therapy degree from University of St.Augustine, Florida. She has over 25 years of experience in both human and Canine Physical Therapy. She received her CCRP from UTN and was the first Physical Therapist, along with her husband, in New Jersey to practice on dogs. Ria owns and operates the Advanced Canine Rehabilitation Center, a practice that focuses on orthopedic and sports rehabilitation and specializes in performance and sporting dogs. She travels extensively to national and international dog competitions and works with top level competitors. She is the Official Therapist for the AKC US World Team, IFCS US Agility Team, WAO US Agility Team, and has travelled with these teams since 2010. Ria conducts instructional seminars on a variety of topics for dog handlers and educates them on how to prevent injury and enhance performance within their sport. Ria worked closely with Dr. Sherman Canapp and VOSM to establish the rehabilitation protocol for various shoulder elbow and pelvic limb conditions. She has published works in Veterinary Surgery, Veterinary Clinics of North America, and articles in Clean Run. She has presented at STAAR (since 2010), IAVRPT, ARSIG/APTA, and SCIVAC. She is a former Board Member for ARSIG/APTA and a member of AARV. When not working Ria is active with swimming, pilates and yoga. She loves to spend time with her 3 Border Collies, hiking and playing. Ria and David have 3 children, 2 in college and a junior in high school, and all 3 are very active in sports.

Sessions:

Tues. Apr. 28th, 8:30am - 6:30pm OR Fri. May 1st, 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

PREREQUISITE: Foundational knowledge in canine anatomy and rehabilitation principles, plus at least two years of clinical practice experience.

Policies: