TITLE: Musculoskeletal Examination: Specialized Assessment of the Canine Patient

DATE/TIME: Thurs. April 15th, 8:30am - 6:30pm (all day lab)

LAB RATING: Intermediate - Advanced

MAX PARTICIPANTS: 20 seats; 17 seats remaining

CONTACT HOURS: 8.0 CE credits; RACE approval pending

DESCRIPTION: This intensive, one-day practical lab is designed for canine rehabilitation professionals looking to advance their musculoskeletal assessment skills and clinical reasoning. Refining examination techniques across the entire musculoskeletal system, including the forelimbs, hindlimbs, spine, and pelvis. The lab will focus on detailed anatomical palpation, postural and gait analysis, joint range of motion, end-feel assessment, muscle and tendon evaluation, accessory joint mobility testing, and specific orthopaedic tests for identifying joint dysfunction, instability and soft tissue abnormalities. Evaluation of movement restrictions, compensatory patterns and biomechanical dysfunction, while developing a systematic approach to assessment. Enhance your practical skills, greater clinical confidence and a comprehensive assessment framework to support accurate identification of musculoskeletal dysfunction and effective rehabilitation planning.

Learning Objectives:

Perform a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment of the canine forelimbs, hindlimbs, spine and pelvis using a systematic clinical approach.
Demonstrate advanced palpation techniques to identify anatomical landmarks, soft tissue abnormalities, muscle dysfunction, pain and joint restrictions.
Evaluate joint mobility and stability through range-of-motion testing, end-feel assessment, accessory joint glides and specific orthopaedic tests.
Analyse posture, gait and biomechanics to recognise abnormal movement patterns, compensatory strategies and functional limitations.
Integrate assessment findings with clinical reasoning to identify musculoskeletal dysfunction, prioritise clinical findings and guide individualised rehabilitation planning.

Cancellation & Registration Transfer Policy

We understand that plans can change. If you need to cancel or transfer your STAAR Canine 2027 registration, please complete the Cancellation & Registration Transfer Policy.

Musculoskeletal Examination: Specialized Assessment of the Canine Patient

$984.00

DAY / TIME

Elena Saltis, BSc, NZPT, NZVAPT, CCRT

Elena graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine with a degree in Physical Therapy. She went on to establish PhysiotherapyNZ Limited, a successful multi-clinic physiotherapy practice in the South Island of New Zealand.

In 2009, Elena earned her postgraduate qualification as a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) through the Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI). She continued to expand her expertise through extensive advanced postgraduate education and training, and subsequently became an instructor for CRI.

Combining her background in human physiotherapy with her passion for animal rehabilitation, Elena founded Animal PhysioNZ Limited, a multi-clinic animal physiotherapy and rehabilitation practice in New Zealand. She also established Animal Orthopaedics Surgery, comprising two specialist veterinary orthopaedic surgical clinics.

An experienced international educator and speaker, Elena has taught and presented extensively around the world, delivering advanced courses, practical workshops, clinical internships and conference presentations. She is passionate about advancing the field of animal rehabilitation and sharing her clinical knowledge, expertise and hands-on skills with fellow professionals.

Beyond her clinical and educational work, Elena is deeply committed to animal welfare and philanthropy. She established a rehabilitation clinic within a Galgo rescue sanctuary in Spain, providing specialised rehabilitation care to rescued dogs. She also founded Street Tails, a charitable initiative dedicated to providing veterinary care, essential supplies and ongoing support for the pets of people experiencing homelessness. Elena is also involved in the Canine NeuroPark Charity Trust, a specialised canine rehabilitation park.

Throughout her career, Elena has been driven by a commitment to improving the quality of life of animals, advancing clinical standards and inspiring the next generation of animal rehabilitation professionals. Her enthusiasm for teaching, sharing knowledge and promoting excellence in rehabilitation remains at the heart of her work.

Musculoskeletal Examination: Specialized Assessment of the Canine Patient

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