Manual Techniques
A variety of manual techniques may be utilized, including Wolfe Kinetic Technique®, Feldenkrais Functional Integration®, myofasical release, soft tissue, joint and nerve mobilization, massage and manual traction.
This may include the use of exercise equipment: Gym balls, balance boards, a land treadmill, Cavaletti and weave poles, along with other forms of exercise equipment and are available to address the specific needs of each patient and to instruct owners in home exercise programs.
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Wolfe Kinetic Technique®
Wolfe Kinetic Technique or WKT is a gentle manual neuromuscular re-education technique developed by Dr. Wolfe. This technique provides input to the dog’s nervous system to cause changes in movement patterns so that the dog can learn to move more normally and with less pain and chance of re-injury.
WKT is a very gentle manual technique that is performed with the intent of changing movement patterns in a way that spreads out the work load of the body when performing functional activities. It is focused on movement of the spine and how the spinal movements dictate and affect the movement patterns of the extremities. The patient’s movement is assisted manually in a way so as to achieve easier, less painful, and more normal functional movement.
GCFP – Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner
This training includes 800 to 1000 hours of class time over 4 years. Feldenkrais Method® training includes Awareness Through Movement® and Functional Integration®. Awareness Through Movement is a technique where a Feldenkrais practitioner takes a group of students through a sequence of movements verbally. The Functional Integration portion of the Feldenkrais Method involves guiding the student (or patient) through movements using tactile stimulation. Functional Integration is a form of tactile, kinesthetic communication. The practitioner (in this case, the Physical Therapist) uses gentle manual skills to communicate to the patient how he/she organizes his/her body movements and suggests how to move in more expanded, efficient, pain-free patterns. These lessons are individually constructed to improve functional activities such as walking, jumping, running, going up stairs, etc.