Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Second Edition. Edited by Chris Zink and Janet B. Van Dyke.
© 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Published 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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Summary

A comprehensive evaluation from a physical therapy perspective requires keen obser-

vational and manual skills. Assessment of the pelvic limb entails careful examination

of the toes, tarsus, stifle, and hip as well as a scan of the spine to rule out referred pain.

Elements of the exam include postural evaluation, functional assessment, gait analysis,

strength testing, passive range of motion (PROM), flexibility testing, soft tissue palpa-

tion, joint play assessment, and special tests. Abnormal findings are used to create a

problem list. Interpretation of the history and objective exam are considered in devel-

oping an assessment and physical therapy working diagnosis. Functional and measur-

able goals are established and are used as benchmarks of progress. Finally, a treatment

plan is formulated to addresses the stated abnormal findings relative to the preset

goals. The plan will include frequency and duration of treatment as well as the specific

elements of the treatments. Treatment may include manual techniques such as soft tis-

sue techniques and joint mobilization, modalities such as laser and electrical stimula-

tion, and therapeutic exercise such as proprioceptive and strengthening exercises.

Frequent reassessment is necessary to determine the effectiveness of the plan.

Evaluation of the pelvic limb

A rehabilitation orthopedic assessment includes
a thorough patient history and a detailed
examination. The therapist should be aware of
the patient’s past medical history, results of
imaging, current medications, and treatment
to date. Subjectively, the client provides infor-
mation regarding the mechanism of injury if

applicable, aggravating or relieving activities,

and observed functional deficits.

Achieving an accurate diagnosis requires a

strong knowledge of anatomy, finely tuned

manual skills, keen observational skills, and a

good understanding of biomechanics. When

examining the pelvic limb, it is important to

scan the spine and pelvis to rule out referred

pain from these proximal segments. A brief

Evaluation and Rehabilitation

Options for Orthopedic

Disorders of the Pelvic Limb

Judy C. Coates, MEd, MSPT, CCRT

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