THERE'S A NEW DOGTOR IN TOWN. Dr. Samantha Albrecht is now the only doctor of physical therapy in the area certified to treat both people and their furry friends. (Photo via Facebook)

Dr. Samantha Albrecht has been a physical therapist in the Chippewa Valley for more than a decade. After working at many clinics in the area, she decided to open her own practice so she could build relationships and spend more time with her patients, something she wasn’t able to provide for them in a clinic environment. After the disruption caused by the closure of HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital last year, she turned her full attention to her business.

“I have worked in the Eau Claire community for roughly the past 13 years and have always enjoyed how much the community supports its own,” Dr. Albrecht said. “I knew that the area would be hurting with limited health care resources and wanted to provide another option for people in the area to get the treatment they not only needed but deserved.”

“Our area is really limited in its rehab offerings for animals, and I felt if I was already trying to improve the daily lives of humans, why not also extend that service to animals?” –Dr. Samantha Albrecht

Dr. Albrecht is now helping a new, unique kind of clientele: dogs! Her physical therapy business with people, Transphormation Rehabilitaion, is now aided by Transfurmation Rehabilition, which provides canine and companion animal rehab services in western Wisconsin. She earned a Companion Animal Rehabilitation Certification which has made her the only doctor of physical therapy in western Wisconsin to provide services to both people and furry friends. Her treatments for animals are hands-on and includes exercises to help improve the dog’s mobility.

One of Dr. Albrecht's furry patients. (Submitted photo)

Dr. Albrecht treats dogs who are pre- and/or post-surgery, show signs of lameness in one of their limbs, have neurological deficits, and are having difficulty moving because of symptoms with their spine. She even treats dogs who compete in shows. Dr. Albrecht says she decided to begin physical therapy with dogs after her own pet began to suffer from lower back pain.

“Our area is really limited in its rehab offerings for animals, and I felt if I was already trying to improve the daily lives of humans, why not also extend that service to animals?” she said. “I have a small pack of my own and know how deep the love for our pets runs – they deserve to be pain-free, living happy and healthy lives too.”

In addition to rehabilitation services, Dr. Albrecht also offers wellness programs, which are typically for older dogs who are moving a little more slowly or may need to lose a bit of weight. She also offers puppy assessments to help owners lead their new, young family members into having a healthy, happy life.

Dr. Albrecht is currently treating her human patients at Fitness Freedom in downtown Eau Claire every Monday and by appointment during the week. She sees her canine patients at Barks and Recreation (5775 Friedeck Rd., Eau Claire) by appointment, and sometimes has the unique opportunity of treating humans and their dogs together. Learn more at transphormationrehabilitation.healthcare.

Learn more about Dr. Albrecht and Transfurmation Rehabilitation online • Keep up with Transphormation Rehabilitation on Facebook • Reach out with inquiries at transfurmationrehabilitation@gmail.com