Our Services

Canine Physical Therapy, rehab, and rehabilitation are used interchangeably in the veterinary world. It is taking human Physical Therapy concepts and translating them over to animals. There is a veterinary board certification for rehabilitation, but currently there are no board certified veterinarians in Oklahoma. However, there are a handful of veterinarians (DVMs), Physical Therapists (PTs) and other health professionals who have undergone additional training to specialize in rehabilitation for animals. When considering rehabilitation for you dog, be sure to look for individuals who are Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) or Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP). I am a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and CCRT.

*Must be done under vet supervision per Oklahoma Vet Practice Acts

**Must be done at Waterloo Animal Hospital

Dry Needling (DN)* **

Dry Needling (DN) is similar to acupuncture in the fact that they use the same needles to puncture the skin. Therapeutic, trigger point dry needling aims to reduce your dog's myofascial pain caused by myofascial trigger points and the resulting muscle spasm and dysfunction. Dry needling is an effective treatment for acute and chronic pain, rehabilitation from injury, and even pain and injury prevention, with very few side effects.

Dry needling also benefits the immune, inflammatory, biochemical, vascular, and neurological systems. Dry needling is extremely effective at eliminating canine neuromuscular dysfunction that leads to pain and functional deficits. Dry needling is a technique that emphasizes treating the neuro-musculoskeletal systems based on pain patterns, muscular dysfunction, and other orthopedic signs and symptoms.

Body Weight Support Treadmill Training (BWSTT)**

External support system to support an animal's body weight over a treadmill to assist with walking. This system is highly researched in both humans and animals to help improve functional outcomes, improve gait sequencing, and improve endurance. Like the underwater treadmill, but without the hassle of getting wet. Learn more here

Kinesiology Taping (KT taping)

KT tape is specialized tape that is utilized in both human and animal medicine. Specific methods are used to help facilitate muscle activation, inhibit muscle activation (decrease tone), or help provide proprioceptive input.

Pulsed ElectroMagnet Field Therapy (PEMF) * **

PEMF has been used since the 1970’s to stimulate cells and energize natural cellular processes. All cellular functions are influenced by differences in voltage, or electrical potential. By using magnetic wavelengths and frequencies similar to those naturally occurring in the body and from the earth, PEMF is able to positively influence electrical potential in the cells and decrease Inflammation, increase circulation, reduce pain and accelerate healing.

Whole Body Vibration (WBV) **

Whole body vibration can be utilized to help increase muscle activation, decreased spasticity, and help improve muscle performance. It also helps to improve circulation. This is also well documented in the human world of physical rehabilitation.

Massage

One of our main goals is to decrease pain and improve range of motion. This can often be accomplished to various massage techniques, stretching, and range of motion.

Myofascial Release (MFR)/Craniosacral Therapy (CST) * **

Myofascial release (MFR) for dogs involves gentle, sustained stretching and massage techniques to address fascial restrictions, which can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, ultimately improving their overall health and comfort. Craniosacral therapy (CST) for dogs is a gentle, hands-on technique that focuses on the central nervous system and its surrounding membranes and fluids, aiming to release restrictions and promote overall well-being and healing.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)

NMES is the use of an electrical current generated by a stimulator that travels through leads to electrodes placed on the skin to produce a muscle contraction. NMES uses a safe, non-invasive, low-frequency current that stimulates muscles to contract in a way to enhance motor learning, muscle re-education, and strengthen while helping to prevent atrophy after injury or surgery. It is utilized and well researched in both human and veterinary medicine. Learn more here

Canine Wellness

Rehabilitation refers to recovering from an injury or disease. It is reactive to something. Canine Wellness is proactive. It is for dogs (or any animal) that may not be affected yet by an injury or diagnosis but looking at ways to prevent or delay the effects of potential issues. This could be dogs prone to hip dysplasia or the geriatric dog. Consider our “Aging Well Program” to help keep your dog stay as active, pain free, and healthy as long as possible.

Cold Laser/Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)* **

Painless treatment that uses light to simulate natural biological process to facilitate healing and pain reduction. There are no side effects! Many times laser therapy can take the place of pharmaceuticals and surgery to treat long-term, degenerative diseases. Learn more here

Equipment Trials and rentals**

Aging and injured pets costs can be expensive. We want to help alleviate some of the stress by offering fittings, rentals and purchases. The cost of purchasing a wheelchair can be overwhelming and could be a determining factor in putting a dog down vs keeping it. We offer wheelchair rentals for $25/month. We also rent/sell boots, NMES machines, and help’em up harnesses.