Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Broadhurst
Hi Michele, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
• I graduated from chiropractic college in 2003 and certified as a Chiropractic Sports Physician in 2004. I started practicing in South Africa and decided to expand my scope of practice to animals. I attended Options for animals and am certified with the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association.
• I was the first certified animal chiropractor in South Africa and built a very successful large and small animal practice specializing in animal chiropractic, dry needling and rehabilitation. I have a special interest in canines, sport, stud and thoroughbred racehorses. I am one of a handful of certified canine rehabilitation practitioners that is also a Doctor of Chiropractic. I have a fellowship in acupuncture from the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture and am a certified small animal myofascial practitioner.
• My husband and I owned and ran a human chiropractic and multidisciplinary clinic for 15 years. I am a human chiropractic sports physician and chiropractic acupuncturist with a special focus on integrating myofascial work with chiropractic adjustments, therefore optimizing the nervous system.
• We moved to the USA in 2017 and now reside in Texas. I am the owner of Rehab 4 Pets in Coppell and have several locations in Colorado.
• I am the author and co-author of 3 books,
• Co-Author of “A clinicians guide to dry needling for myofascial pain.” Released 2019
• Author : A clinician’s guide to myofascial pain in the canine patient- released July 2020
• Author : A clinician’s guide to myofascial pain in the Equine patient- Released September 2020
• I am a faculty member of NE seminars and teach their Small animal myofascial practitioners certification.
. I work very well with other disciplines and believe in a multi-disciplined approach to achieving the best health and well-being for my patients. I think it is important to evaluate each patient as an individual and treat them accordingly which is why I enjoy learning and applying different techniques.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! In the early 2000s and even today anyone who is not a veterinarian is not encouraged to practice on animals. There is a lot of discord within the community which is really unfortunate as the animals suffer for it. Having said that, I have met some of the most remarkable veterinarians and other practitioners along my journey for which I am always eternally grateful. Not only was it hard leaving my home and practice of almost 2 decades behind to move to the USA and start again but it is a totally different environment in the USA compared to other countries both personally and professionally.
Covid was hard, but really rewarding, as we had to shift so much to accomodate the societal demands that it really allowed us to get to know our patients in a different environment.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Rehab 4 Pets?
We are located in the quaint old town area of Coppell Texas. I share space with a fantastic functional veterinarian and we have been working side by side for 2 years. Rehab 4 Pets is a fully inclusive rehabilitation center that offers many modalities such as underwater treadmill, EMTT (Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy), laser, extracorporeal shockwave and chiropractic being some of them. On the initial consultation we evaluate the dog or cat orthopedically and neurologically to see what treatments are a good fit for them and they receive a treatment at the initial consultation. The initial consult is an hour and our follow ups half an hour. During their treatment, based on their condition, the pet will receive numerous treatments ranging from chiropractic and laser therapy to exercise therapy and underwater treadmill or extracorporeal shockwave treatments and extracorporeal magnetotransduction therapy. We do have rehabilitation packages and modality packages available. We are very excited to be the first rehab using EMTT in the animal world in the USA.
Integrative Animal Solutions is my teaching platform where we offer a small and large animal myofascial course for practitioners. I love to teach and we have had excellent feedback from our students.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
So many. My husband and my parents have been a huge support system, they give me the strength and the encouragement to take life by the horns and do what I love. My many colleagues and friends who have given advice and wisdom along the way. Most of all my clients and patients, for trusting me with themselves and their beloved animal.
Pricing:
- Initial consultation $280
- Follow ups from $145
- Integrative animal solution courses- varies
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rehab4pets.com/
- Instagram: @rehab4pets
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rehab4pets/
