TITLE: Neurorehabilitation: Treatment Strategies for Optimal Recovery (co-taught by DVM and PT)
DATE/TIME: Wed. Apr. 29th, 8:30am - 6:30pm
Includes breakfast, lunch, and mid-day snacks
WORKSHOP RATING:
- Intermediate: CCRP, CCRT, CCAT
- Advanced: DVM/VMD, PT, VT, CCRVN
MAX PARTICIPANTS: 20 seats
- 16 seats open
CONTACT HOURS: 8.0 RACE approval pending; 8.0 NYSED-approved
DESCRIPTION: This course is brought to you by Canine Rehab Institute
This workshop will offer a concise overview of spinal cord injury (SCI) pathology, common clinical presentations in neurological patients, and the principles of neuroplasticity. Case-based discussions that follow disease acuity fundamentals will explore how therapy can enhance the healing process. The lab components will emphasize therapeutic interventions for neurological patients, covering topics such as spasticity and contracture management, bladder and bowel management, therapeutic exercise, vibration therapy, various modalities, locomotor training, the use of assistive devices, and client education for home care.
Lecture: Review of specific challenges with common neurological disorders including:
- Compressive and Non-compressive Spinal Cord Injuries
- Polyneuropathy
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Brachial plexus injury
Labs: Short lecture and then hands-on practice of a variety therapeutic options:
● Pain Management & Tissue Healing
- Pharmacology
- Manual Therapy
- Laser
- PEMF
- NMES
● Spasticity and Contracture Management
- Stretching, Manual therapy
- Kinesiotaping
- Heating tissue (therapeutic ultrasound, hydrocollator)
- Shockwave therapy
- NMES
- Vibration therapy
Cancellation Policy and Refund Request
To request a refund, please complete and postmark this Workshop Cancellation Form by March 28, 2026. Refunds exclude a $25 processing fee.
Neurorehab: Treatment Strategies for Optimal Recovery
Kara Amstutz, DVM, DACVSMR, CVA, CVPP, CCRT, CEO & Owner Canine Rehab Institute (CRI), Springfield, MO
Dr. Amstutz is presenting on behalf of CRI and in cooperation with STAAR Conference.
Dr. Kara Amstutz earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri in 2000 and founded Hometown Veterinary Hospital in 2002. She became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist in 2013, a Veterinary Pain Practitioner in 2014, and a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist in 2019. These credentials allowed her to focus on rehabilitation and pain management.
In 2022, Dr. Amstutz transitioned from full-time clinical practice to become the owner, CEO, and lead clinical instructor at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI), offering postgraduate certifications and continuing education.
In 2023, she achieved Diplomate status with the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation.
In 2024, Dr. Amstutz founded Momentum Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in Springfield, Missouri. Additionally, she lectures nationally and internationally and is active in leadership within sports medicine, rehabilitation, and organized veterinary medicine.
Amy Rogato, PT, DPT, CCRT
Dr. Rogato is presenting on behalf of the Canine Rehab Institute (CRI) and in cooperation with STAAR Conference.
Dr. Amy Rogato graduated from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY, with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2013. She enjoyed treating humans with neurologic issues and geriatric and pediatric patients. Amy completed her CCRT certification with CRI in 2017 and began treating dogs within a group of animal hospitals in the Tampa Bay Area. She realized that there was a need for at-home care for dogs and opened In Pawsuit Rehabilitation & Wellness. She began operating this mobile model full-time to help dogs in their home in 2021.
Amy has been published in the Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy Journal - Special Interest Group in Animal Rehabilitation. She has also been a teaching assistant for CRI since 2017, where she has enjoyed sharing her knowledge and expertise to help other physical therapists and veterinarians pursue their skills in animal rehabilitation. Currently, she lives in Tampa, Florida, with her miniature schnauzer and loves the Florida sunshine!