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"Putting the pep back in your pup's step"
Canine Physical Therapy and Wellness
What makes us unique?
Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy is still a fairly new concept to the veterinary world. Human Physical Therapy has been around for a long time, but prior to me studying to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT), I had no idea the field even existed. I know I am not alone in that. Most people are very shocked when I tell them I am a Physical Therapist for animals. Veterinarians also may have heard of rehabilitation in school, but it is not something that is heavily study or emphasized. There is a veterinary board certification for rehabilitation, but at this point (2025), there are no board certified veterinarians in Oklahoma. There are a handful of DVMs who are either Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) or Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners (CCRP).
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I am not a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), nor do I practice veterinary medicine in any sort of manner. I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with over 17 years of experience. The primary focus for the majority of my career has been individuals with spinal cord injuries (people who have been paralyzed) and other neurological injuries. My skills are with the use of my hands. The techniques used in canine rehab mimic those of human physical therapy. I am used to using modalities such as electrical stimulation for help paralyzed muscles to work again. I have used whole body vibration systems and body weight support treadmill training systems for my entire career. I believe so much in it, that I created a system and utilize it regularly with my clients. My many years as a human physical therapist give me the unique skill set to optimize results.
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I work out of Waterloo Clinic with veterinarians who trust me to take care of their clients and trust my skills as a CCRT. I have several clinics who regularly refer to me and all who will vouch for me as a clinician.
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I am a pet owner and love my pets. I would do anything for them, as I would do anything for yours. My goal is to help pets be out of pain and as mobile as possible while providing pet owners with the tools and skills to do as much as possible for their pets at home.
New Model of Wellness
In addition to canine physical therapy, we are launching some new programs for wellness. This grew out of a few things I experienced with my own dogs. These Programs will only be available at Waterloo Animal Hospital, as they are only 30 minutes.
1. Aging Well Wellness Program: This program is designed specifically to help your dog maintain their mobility as they age. The first session is to meet you and your pup, identify key areas of concern, treat those areas, determine appropriate exercises and teach you the exercises to do at home. You will be given a Home Exercise Program within 48 hours the electronic version with videos and pictures will be sent to you via e-mail. Subsequent visits will be to re-visit the areas of concern and treat as needed, determine how exercises are going at home and modify or progress as needed. This is a less intensive and less in-depth than the canine rehabilitation program. If a more intensive program is warranted, canine rehab route will be encouraged.
2. Weight Management: This program is for dogs without known injuries who need to lose a few extra pounds. The initial visit will include weight, girth measurements, walking test, exercises, and walking program along with a nutrition plan. Subsequent 30 min sessions will focus on strength and endurance exercises. This may include body weight support treadmill training as appropriate and tolerated by the dog.
3. Pain Management: This program is a modalities based program. It is for people who do not want to do canine rehab but want alternatives to surgery or pharmaceutical options. Multiple modalities will be combined/utilized but will be based on injury , severity of injury and history (such as cancer, surgeries, etc). This program includes low level laser therapy (LLLT), Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF), dry needling, massage/myofascial release/craniosacral therapy. Up to 30 minutes. Script required or one-time assessment by on-site vet (additional fee by the clinic)
Contact
We are looking forward to helping put the pep back in your pup's step!
405-367-5732