Joycare Media: All about PT for Animals

07/02/2025

A letter I wrote to APTA for the July 2025 issue of PT Magazine is published. It is in response to an article on student debt included in an earlier edition. As I prepare to part with this organization and profession I've belonged to since 1977, it is good to leave behind an important message. I appreciate the editor's decision to publish it. Bittersweet.

06/30/2025

This FB page will remain active through the end of September, but will deactivate shortly after.For anyone wanting to stay connected, my email address will be slightly different: [email protected]. (instead of joycareonsite). Feel free to make the email address change now or anytime before Labor Day as the new email is active currently and both are running parallel. I also have a new website and FB/Instagram site and brand that will have some animal content: under Joycare Living. Thanks, Dr. Sue

06/27/2025

A video from my You'Tube channel from a few years ago, showing the technique I developed and researched for patellar luxation: 3D Manual Patellar Repositioning technique. This was designed not just for veterinary professionals but pet owners too. Yesterday I completed some back and forth messages from a cat owner in a different part of the country that used this technique successfully and her cat has had lots of improvement. It pleases me so much that through the power of social media, my technique can help her cat!

Technique Developed by Dr. Susan E. Davis, PT, DPT

06/25/2025

Speaking with a pet owner yesterday about her GSD having fibrotic myopathy of the gracilis muscle, somewhat common in this breed. She said she thought her dog needed laser and stretching exercises. First off, it's always better to let the therapist examine the patient and determine what needs to be done. Laser is not a modality that you use for every single thing. With fibrosis there are micro-adhesions that need to be broken down and the best modality for this is either extra corporeal Shockwave or pulsed acoustic/pulsed therapeutic ultrasound, followed by cross fiber massage and certain forms of stretching. Though I am not taking any new patients at this stage, I am still there for people that have some queries and need information as well as referrals to other places. One thing that concerns me is there aren't many PTs in my area doing work with animals and if you go to a veterinarian certified in canine Rehabilitation they may or may not use some of these manual skills. I am hoping that they do however because nothing can be the intricacies provided by a trained set of hands. TY, Dr. Sue

06/20/2025

I am jumping out of skin with pride for my fellow doctoral classmate from RFUMS Class of 2020, Dr. Laura B Friedman !!! She is a pioneer in a super niche of acute care PT: that of Critical Care. Laura worked all through the covid pandemic with many patients on ventilators and ECMO, likely saving many lives though she probably won't admit it. She also saw a lot of lives lost and did her best, I'm sure, to help people have them best chance possible make it through. There are so many patients and families that are grateful to her. Rockstar PT !!! Laura B Friedman

06/17/2025

Oh my heart......how I will miss Finn, my dear patient. Finn was 16, a ripe old age for a Pug, and always kept me moving! It was hard to keep him still as he was spry and spirited! His mom Michele McCormick was fantastic with him and provided a great life for Finn. They were best buddies. Finn is probably the only Pug I was able to use the cavaletti rails for, and he kept us giggling and cheering him on. What an honor to be his, along with his (departed) pug sister Molly, Physical Therapist. I've really been blessed with Incredible clients like Michele that have seen the value of physical therapy and used it for its full potential for maintenance and also supportive care. I will miss you so much, Finn! Love, Dr. Sue

06/17/2025

We had such a great Master Class last night! Thank you to everyone who joined us live and those who are watching a recap on recording today. What a rocking amazing group of pet owners who really want to learn all they can to avoid injury! This was my last one, and it was bittersweet. A lot of work goes into developing good content for these, practicing, zoom license, etc....and unfortunately the endeavor never reached the goals I had for it. But for those solid faithful ones that took part, I truly appreciate each of you. And your pets will benefit from your diligence! One of the best parts...aside from my musical intros including singing and chair dancing (see what you missed?)...was the sharing with each other. my rock star pet owners shared valuable information including their favorite brand of dog walking harness: Voyager, and tips for making deck surfaces less slippery: frequent power washing, no-skid pads on the steps, etc. Thanks for your patience during the longish 55-minute lecture, followed by about 15 min Q&A and sharing with each other. Loved every minute! Dr. Sue P.S and...Jeffrey made an appearance!

06/15/2025

Celebrating all of the great Dads of pets everywhere!! You men rock!

06/13/2025

For those taking Master Class Monday evening: handouts will be emailed today to allow time for printing as you may want to take notes: there is a lot of content that is not all able to be on the slides. Please note that the presentation will probably go a full 45 minutes and I will allow as much time as needed afterward for questions and answers to me and then open time for participants to talk to each other as fellow pet owners sharing their experiences or asking each other questions. So, plan on 50 min to an hour. I think it's going to be a great fun event. There are still some slots open if anyone would like to register. Go to my website: hit Master Class:events

06/10/2025

Here are some highly effective injectable medications that augment PT and maximize outcomes. Not every Veterinarian can offer these (those that are intraarticular injection) as some require specific training. We have a local practice that can help, owned by Dr. melina zimmerman , The Doggy Gym .

06/09/2025

Jeff-a-rey flashbacks. Because you can never have enough Jeffrey. And because its a drab, dreary Monday. And yes....Jeff is ok! I check in with his mom regularly! I miss this guy and our deep conversations.

06/06/2025

Part 2 of my blog's 3-part series on Spinal Disc issues.

Part 2: When Physical Therapists receive a request to provide care for a pet having spinal disc disease, the first step involves an examination, followed by evaluation with the determination of goals based. Goals must be...