Splinting and Bracing Tutorials - Complimentary for STAAR Participants
Through these short, hands-on tutorials, participants learn how to mold thermoplastic splints and how to thoughtfully upgrade or downgrade support of neoprene braces as a patient’s needs change. The focus is on improving comfort, fit, and function, with techniques that can be applied across a range of cases and braces.
Sessions include:
- Splinting with thermoplastics (techniques for molding and shaping) - Tues. April 28th
- Customizing soft braces for enhanced stability, comfort, and function - Wed. April 29th
Space and materials are very limited; advanced registration is required. Open to STAAR Workshop Participants Only
This tutorial is free and is sponsored by: Thera-Paw
MAX PARTICIPANTS: 12
DATE/TIME:
Tues. Apr. 28th, 1:30pm - 2:00pm - Splinting with Thermoplastics
- 6 spots open
Wed. Apr. 29th, 1:30pm - 2:00pm - Customizing Soft Braces
- 4 spots open
Splinting and Bracing Tutorials
Ilaria Borghese MS, MA, OT - Founder, President, Thera-Paw, Inc; Founder, CEO, Vital Vet, LLC; Co-Founder, CEO, STAAR Conference
Ilaria earned her MS in Neuroscience from the University of Connecticut. She served as Clinical Coordinator for the Brain Research Center at Children’s Hospital in Washington, DC, where she was responsible for evaluating emerging drug therapies for children with autism. She later continued her academic work at Yale University School of Medicine and published multiple articles in peer-reviewed medical journals.
She went on to complete her MA in Occupational Therapy at New York University, where she combined her research background with clinical practice. This work led her to focus on canine patients, and in 2001 she founded Thera Paw, Inc., a company dedicated to the design, development, manufacturing, and distribution of soft orthoses, mobility aids, and other assistive products for animals with special needs. Ilaria collaborates closely with small animal practitioners to advance innovative approaches to custom splinting and bracing. She teaches internationally and contributed to the 2013 publication Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation published by J. Wiley & Sons.
In 2010, Ilaria co-founded STAAR, the Symposium on Therapeutic Advances in Animal Rehabilitation, a conference created for veterinary professionals seeking advanced, comprehensive education in animal rehabilitation, sports medicine, and fitness taught by leaders in the field. In 2020, Ilaria founded Vital Vet, a online, multi-platform supercenter created to improve the lives of animal companions. Vital Vet brings together veterinary rehabilitation, animal physical therapy, mobility, fitness, and wellness in one central destination, supporting both veterinary professionals and dedicated pet parents as they learn, connect, and make informed decisions.
