Chris Allyn Fritsch, M.Ed, ATC, PT, CCRP

After graduating from West Virginia University with a degree in Athletic Training and Education, Chris pursued physical therapy at Howard University in Washington DC. While working as a physical therapist, she completed her Masters at Howard University. Chris has over 16 years of human physical therapy and sports medicine experience with specialization in manual therapy and biomechanics.

Her interest in canine rehabilitation began in 2000 when her own dog, Cooper, underwent a caudal cruciate repair. The surgeon recommended swimming for rehab but had no other suggestions. It just didn't make sense that human patients get very specific rehabilitation program after a similar surgery but, for a dog, the rehab was simply swimming. Chris began utilizing her human physical therapy knowledge and manual skills to address the post surgical needs in her dog - lack of flexibility, joint and soft tissue restrictions, decreased strength, and poor neuromuscular control. The results were impressive, Cooper regained full range of motion, strength, and was back to chasing squirrels in no time.

This experience spurred a desire to learn more about canine rehabilitation and the specific mechanics, conformation, and functional needs of dogs. She began coursework through the University of Tennessee certification program in canine rehabilitation. Her Canine Clinical residency was completed at Mid Atlantic Specialty Hospital and she earned her Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) credentials in 2007.

Now with 5 years of canine rehabilitation and 16 years of human physical therapy experience, she continues to study advanced manual therapy techniques. Applying this hands-on knowledge base to the canine anatomy and biomechanics, she strives to serve the rehabilitation needs of dogs big and small, athletic and elderly, for the fullest dog life possible.

Chris Allyn Fritsch is primarily based in our Annapolis office.