fWhen a pet begins moving differently, whether they are hesitating before jumping, struggling with stairs, taking longer to rise, or losing interest in favorite activities, it may be more than a normal part of aging. Changes in mobility can signal pain, joint restriction, muscle weakness, or compensation elsewhere in the body. At Rehab 4 PAWS & Integrative Therapy, Taylor Francher, DVM, CCRV, CVA, CVMMP-SA takes a comprehensive, individualized approach to helping pets move more comfortably and confidently. Meet Dr. Taylor Francher Dr. Francher’s dream of becoming a veterinarian began when she announced at nine years old that she wanted to be a “bunny doctor.” She graduated from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016 and has practiced in the Las Vegas area ever since. Her early veterinary career included caring for dogs, cats, and many exotic species. Her interest in whole-patient care began before veterinary school, when she first explored Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine while working at a clinic during her undergraduate education. Today, Dr. Francher is continuing to broaden her expertise through an advanced degree from Chi University, expanding her knowledge of acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and rehabilitation. She is also Fear Free® Certified, helping her provide care with close attention to each patient’s physical and emotional comfort. Learn more about Dr. Francher. Dr. Francher’s Rehabilitation Philosophy Dr. Francher believes that successful rehabilitation starts by looking at the entire pet, not just the area that appears painful. A sore hip may cause a dog to shift additional weight onto the opposite leg. Neck or back discomfort may change posture and gait. Following surgery, a pet may protect the healing area and develop compensatory movement patterns that place stress on other muscles and joints. By considering the relationships among joints, muscles, posture, gait, lifestyle, and other underlying medical conditions, Dr. Francher can develop a treatment plan that supports the pet as a whole. The goal is not merely to address one uncomfortable area. It is to improve function, preserve independence, and help each pet participate more comfortably in their everyday life. Why Mobility Matters Mobility affects nearly every part of a pet’s quality of life. Comfortable movement allows pets to stand, walk, play, use stairs, navigate the home, and interact with their families. Mobility problems can develop gradually, and pets often adapt rather than clearly showing that they are in pain. Signs that may indicate discomfort or reduced mobility include: ● Difficulty rising after resting ● Reluctance to jump or use stairs ● Slipping on smooth floors ● Stiffness or an altered gait ● Changes in posture ● Reduced activity or endurance ● Difficulty getting into a vehicle ● Avoidance of touch in certain areas ● Muscle loss or uneven weight-bearing ● Changes in behavior or sleep patterns Early evaluation may help to identify why these changes are occurring and provide more options for protecting strength, function, and comfort. What Is Veterinary Manual Manipulation? Veterinary manual manipulation is a hands-on technique used to evaluate and address restricted movement within joints of the spine or limbs. Some pet owners may hear it described as veterinary chiropractic or may search online for an “animal chiropractor in Las Vegas” or a “dog chiropractor.” However, veterinary manual manipulation is not simply about “cracking” a pet’s back. It requires detailed knowledge of animal anatomy, biomechanics, neurologic function, and the medical conditions that can affect safe movement. When clinically appropriate, carefully directed techniques may help: ● Restore more normal joint motion ● Reduce stiffness ● Improve flexibility ● Support healthier movement patterns ● Decrease muscular compensation ● Improve comfort and overall function Manual manipulation does not replace traditional veterinary care, medication, surgery, or structured rehabilitation when those treatments are needed. Instead, it may be incorporated into a broader treatment plan based on the individual patient’s diagnosis and needs. A Comprehensive Examination Comes First Not every pet is an appropriate candidate for manual manipulation. That is why Dr. Francher begins with a comprehensive veterinary evaluation rather than proceeding directly to treatment. The assessment may include: ● Review of the pet’s medical and surgical history ● Discussion of medications and current symptoms ● Physical and neurologic examination ● Evaluation of posture, gait, and weight-bearing ● Assessment of joint mobility and muscle condition ● Identification of painful or restricted areas ● Review of previous imaging or laboratory results ● Recommendations for additional diagnostics, where appropriate Conditions such as fractures, spinal instability, certain neurologic disorders, infections, or tumors may require a different approach. A veterinary examination helps distinguish joint restriction and muscular compensation from other medical problems that need additional diagnostics or treatment. Personalized Treatment Plans for Every Pet No two rehabilitation patients are exactly alike. A young athlete recovering from an injury has different needs than a senior dog living with arthritis. A pet recovering from orthopedic surgery may require a different progression than one experiencing chronic neck or back discomfort. Dr. Francher considers factors such as: ● Diagnosis and medical history ● Age and current fitness level ● Location and severity of discomfort ● Strength, flexibility, and balance ● Daily activities and home environment ● Recovery goals ● Temperament and tolerance for treatment ● The family’s ability to continue recommended care at home Treatment plans can be adjusted as a pet gains strength, improves mobility, or experiences changes in comfort. This flexible approach keeps rehabilitation centered on the individual patient rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all protocol. Combining Rehabilitation Therapies for Better Results Manual manipulation may be helpful on its own, but many pets benefit most when it is combined with other rehabilitation and integrative therapies. Depending on the pet’s needs, these modalities would be part of the comprehensive recommendations, but they are not specific to manual manipulation, which is the topic of this section: ● Therapeutic exercise to improve strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination ● Underwater treadmill therapy to encourage controlled movement while reducing stress on painful joints ● Therapeutic laser therapy to help manage pain and inflammation ● Massage and other hands-on therapies to address muscle tension and support circulation ● Acupuncture to complement pain management and support overall wellness ● Neurologic rehabilitation to improve coordination, strength, and functional movement ● Pain-management strategies for acute or chronic conditions ● Nutrition and lifestyle recommendations to support healthy weight and long-term mobility ● Home exercises and environmental modifications to continue progress between appointments Rehab 4 PAWS combines traditional pet rehabilitation with integrative therapies, tailoring care to promote recovery, mobility, and overall wellness. Could Your Pet Benefit from Veterinary Manual Manipulation? Manual manipulation may be considered as part of a rehabilitation program for pets experiencing: ● Arthritis or age-related stiffness ● Neck or back discomfort ● Reduced joint mobility ● Muscle tightness or compensation ● Changes in posture or gait ● Mobility decline ● Sports-related strain ● Recovery after certain injuries or orthopedic procedures The safest way to determine whether this therapy is appropriate is through a veterinary rehabilitation consultation. Schedule a Mobility Assessment with Dr. Francher If your pet has started slowing down, moving differently, or avoiding activities they once enjoyed, early support may help protect their comfort and independence. Schedule a comprehensive mobility assessment with Dr. Francher at Rehab 4 PAWS & Integrative Therapy. Together, we can create a personalized plan to help your pet move better and enjoy a more active life. Rehab 4 PAWS & Integrative Therapy 1651 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89012 Phone: (702) 213-6011 Website: rehab4pawslv.com