TITLE: From Anatomy to Action: Using Palpation to Maximize Therapeutic Outcomes
DATE/TIME:
- Tues. April 28th, 2:15pm - 6:30pm
OR
- Wed. April 29th, 8:30am - 12:45pm
WORKSHOP RATING:
- Basic: CCRP, CCRT, CCAT
- Intermediate: DVM/VMD, PT, VT, CCRA, CCRVN
- Advanced: CCFT
MAX PARTICIPANTS: 20 seats per workshop
- 11 seats open Tuesday
- 8 seats open Wednesday
CONTACT HOURS: 4.0 RACE-approved; 4.0 NYSED-approved
DESCRIPTION: Participants are guided through the evaluation and diagnostic principles of muscular, tendon, ligament, joint, and myofascial trigger point palpation. During this section of the lab, the origin, insertion, and action of the muscle will be reviewed as well as diseases affecting those muscle groups and how to select an effective treatment option. The lab will be broken down into three main areas: forelimb, hindlimb and core. Participants will become proficient in functional anatomy.
Learning objectives include a review of key muscular and tendon groups essential to clinical assessment and rehabilitation. We will identify the muscles that form the rotator cuff and discuss their role in shoulder stability and function. The Achilles tendon will be examined in detail, focusing on its composite structure of the gastrocnemius, superficial digital flexor, biceps femoris, gracilis, and semitendinosus muscles. Participants will also explore the muscle atrophy patterns associated with hip dysplasia, primarily involving the gluteal and hamstring groups. We’ll review the hamstring group itself and its critical role in propulsion and hip extension. Finally, we’ll examine the primary elbow flexors to enhance understanding of forelimb mechanics and movement.
From Anatomy to Action Outline
Appendicular Skeleton
Forelimb
- Shoulder
- Elbow
- Carpus
- Digits
Exercises for Forelimb
Hindlimb
- Pelvis
- Coxofemoral
- Stifle
- Tarsus
- Digits
Exercises for Hindlimb
Head and Neck - Exercises for Head and Neck
Back - Exercises for Back
Chest - Exercises for Chest
Abdominal - Exercises for Abdomen
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.
From Anatomy to Action: Using Palpation to Maximize Therapeutic Outcomes
Heather Owen, DVM, MAV, CCRP
Dr. Heather Owen received her veterinary training from Oklahoma State College of Veterinary Medicine where she graduated in 2001. She completed a one-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery in Loveland, CO. Heather practiced as an emergency and critical care Veterinarian until January 2005 where she entered general practice. She received her Veterinary Acupuncture certification through Colorado State University in 2006 and moved back to Oklahoma in 2007. Together with her husband, Dustin, Animal Acupuncture was opened in 2008. In 2018, Animal Acupuncture and Canine Sports Medicine Facility was born and became Oklahoma’s first free standing veterinary rehabilitation and pain management clinic.
Heather completed her Canine Rehabilitation and physical therapy training from the University of Tennessee in the spring of 2010 and she completed her veterinary food therapy certification for the Chi Institute in June of 2010. Also, Heather is a certified canine fitness trainer as well as a master trainer. She became Penn Hip Certified in 2022. She is currently pursuing her working dog certification through University of Pennsylvania.
Heather enjoys teaching Veterinarians about shockwave, regenerative medicine, and pain management. She has been published in Frontiers Journal and has helped to author a shockwave manual. Heather speaks internationally for Companion Animal Health, Nutramax, Elvation, and Veterinary Hope Foundation.
Heather's family includes a loving husband, Dustin, 3 beautiful daughters, Madison, Keira, Isabella, and one handsome son Grayson. She also has 5 furry children: Lilo, Hazel, Princess, Felicia and Morgan. In her free time Heather enjoys paddle boarding, skiing, hiking and golfing.
