What Is Canine Rehabilitation?
Think of it as physical therapy for pets. Canine rehabilitation uses a combination of hands-on therapies, therapeutic technology, and individualized exercise programs to rebuild muscle, relieve discomfort, and restore function. The goal? Less pain, better movement, and a happier, healthier life for your pet.
In 2009, Dr. Greg Emmert became the first veterinarian in Oklahoma to earn certification as a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) through the University of Tennessee. That means your pet will be treated by a trusted expert with advanced training in animal rehabilitation techniques.
Every rehabilitation journey begins with a full physical exam and a conversation about your pet’s condition, lifestyle, and goals. From there, we’ll design a customized treatment plan that works for both your dog and your family.
Our Pet Rehabilitation Services in Norman, OK
Water is one of our most powerful tools. The underwater treadmill allows your pet to walk or jog with reduced weight-bearing, which minimizes stress on joints and tissues. It’s a safe, low-impact workout that improves endurance, promotes healing, builds strength, and increases range of motion. Bonus: Most dogs love it.
In addition to the variety of hands-on techniques we use to support healing and improve movement, you’ll receive an at-home exercise plan to continue your pet’s progress between sessions. Some of the techniques incorporated in physical rehab include:
- Manual mobilization
- Joint range-of-motion exercises
- Muscle strengthening
- Balance and coordination work
Laser therapy is a noninvasive, drug-free solution for managing pain and inflammation. The laser penetrates deep into tissue to stimulate healing at the cellular level. It’s gentle, painless, and takes just a few minutes per session. We use laser therapy to treat:
- Arthritis
- Post-operative pain
- Wounds and skin conditions
- Hip dysplasia
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- And much more
E-stim uses electrical pulses to activate muscle contractions, reduce spasms, and prevent atrophy. It’s especially beneficial for pets recovering from orthopedic surgery, neurological injuries, or muscle loss due to inactivity.
Ultrasound therapy gently heats deep tissues to increase flexibility, break down scar tissue, and relieve pain. It’s a go-to for tendon injuries and stiff joints, especially when your pet is struggling with restricted motion.
Also known as pulse therapy, this modality uses focused sound waves to stimulate healing deep within tissues. Shockwave therapy can dramatically improve joint mobility, prevent muscle atrophy, and relieve chronic pain. This treatment is ideal for:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Hip dysplasia
- Tendon/ligament injuries
- Bone fractures
- Post-surgical recovery
- Non-healing wounds
- Neurological deficits
Stem cell therapy uses your pet’s own fat cells to promote healing and regeneration. Once harvested and processed in-house, the stem cells are injected into the affected area to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and restore function. Studies show more than 80% of dogs experience a noticeable improvement in quality of life after treatment—especially those with arthritis or degenerative joint disease.
Putting Your Pet in Motion Again
At McGee Street Animal Hospital, we’re proud to offer one of the most advanced and comprehensive canine rehabilitation programs in the region. From post-operative care to chronic condition management, our team—led by Oklahoma’s first CCRP-certified veterinarian—is here to support your pet every step of the way.
Let’s work together to get your dog back on their paws and feeling their best. Give us a call at (405) 329-0181 or book an appointment online.
