Finnegan undergoes range of motion exercises during one of his rehab sessions.

[marlobydesign]

I do not think she knows what she is doing. She is sitting in the dog.

[harpercollie]

came across this video while looking for cavaletti rehab. APPALLING!! I cannot believe that this "therapist" is actually vet-recommended or certified! Causing the dog to yelp in pain during therapy? My dogs have been to a couple of top-notch veterinary rehab centers here in the Midwest and NO WAY is any therapy o.k. if it makes the dog cry out and struggle like that!!

[DriftProXL]

My coach pushes me into the splits, it hurts but it helps me. Same deal with Michael Finnegan, hope he doesn't eat your face off though! lol

[AmericanDogRehab]

If ROM sessions were performed when Finnegan was calm they may have been a better option to post. Glad to hear he is doing well!!! :-)

[vahorgan]

@AmericanDogRehab I totally agree with your comments. PROM exercises should not cause discomfort, it is obvious this dog is stressed and uncomfortable. Any good qualified therapist would know that extension is often less comfortable that flexion and this is clearly displayed in this video. This demonstration would potentially be counterproductive. It is a shame that this is seen as an example of animal physiotherapy technique in a public forum.

[AmericanDogRehab]

I apologize that I was not more clear with my comments. Passive range of motion (ROM), when performed correctly is a very important part of rehab. I support starting the day after surgery in most cases. Not started soon enough. Getting full ROM after FHO is crucial to facilitation normal gait patterns and to maximize strength and functional use of the leg. I am not questioning Finnigan's rehab success, just the safety of this particular demonstation of ROM.

[AmericanDogRehab]

This is NOT a safe example of passive range of motion. The dog is in pain!!! The dog is stressed. Poor technique. The exercises should be performed with the dog's head and shoulders on the mat. When the head comes up the hip flexes. Fighting the dog creates unnecessary strain and upset for the dog, and potentially causes more harm then the exercise would be helping. Please do not follow this example. Please remove it from You Tube to prevent untrained folks from hurting their dog.

[mysticalmaven]

@AmericanDogRehab Can you please provide research other than your word to prove your point. This rehab professional works for one of the best orthopedic vets in the country. And the dog is doing fantastic. The video stays. Now please, put up your proof.

[friendsoffinnegan]

The dog is doing great now, and the country doc who recommended it is one of the best in the country. I prefer to go with his recommendations. Finnegan's hind legs are now as strong as his front legs. FHO procedures are excellent and the animals need to do some stretching afterward just like a human has to do after they do some type of orthopedic surgery to promote maximum range of motion with healing.

[rotti072]

I agree with both of you that therapy should not hurt! He is not always vocalizing upon range of motion, he is sitting up and looking around. He looks like an active puppy that doesn't like to sit still. Humans that have had therapy will tell you it isn't always comfortable! As a trained professional I can see that Finnegan is nowhere near full extension and the therapist DOES back off when he begins to show discomfort. I DON'T think you two should judge the therapist it is a challenging job.

[MP212NYC]

i agree. my dog just had FHO surgery done, and the othopedic surgeon himself consulted us and said that the streches and physical theraphy shoul only be done to the extent that it does NOT HURT our pup. its only to gain a range of motion and prevent stiffness and akward binding of the healing scar tissue inside. the person in the vid SHOULD NOT be flexing until it hurts the doggie :(

[mysticalmaven]

@MP212NYC If these exercises are not done post op, the ROM will be limited, which is not ideal. The dog is doing great.

[ItsTime2Ride]

There's no way the therapy should be done to the extent that it's uncomfortable for the dog. This is clearly an example of what not to do. As soon as the dog yelped she should have backed off. I feel bad for this poor dog and for the owner who trusts this person. The documentation that was provided by my dog's physical therapist says these exercises shouldn't be done to the extent that it hurts your dog. Poor Finnegan!

[mysticalmaven]

@ItsTime2Ride That's not true. You are living in a fantasy land. Both people and animals experience pain during rehab. If you think they don't, you are in denial. Search for some vids on folks rehabbing from Orthopedic surgery and tell me what you see. Finnegan is doing great.