IASTM for Dogs and Horses: Meet the Patients
After a fall down the stairs left her unable to use her back legs, a French bulldog came into the clinic in significant pain and distress. During a session with Dr. Michelle Rupp at All Good Pets, just a few minutes of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) helped ease muscle spasms and improve her comfort. By the end of treatment, she was in a noticeably different state than when she arrived.
Dr. Rupp incorporates HawkGrips tools regularly in her veterinary rehab approach, using IASTM to support soft tissue function, reduce discomfort, and help patients move more freely. What started as a technique she was introduced to through chiropractic care has become a consistent part of how she treats a wide range of cases.
IASTM isn’t just for humans. From companion animals like dogs to large performance animals like horses, clinicians are using these tools to support mobility, reduce pain, and improve recovery across species.
Why IASTM Works for Animals in Veterinary Rehab
At its core, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) targets the same systems in animals as it does in humans: muscle, fascia, and connective tissue. When applied appropriately, it can increase local circulation, reduce muscle spasms, and improve range of motion. For animals recovering from injury, surgery, or mobility limitations, these effects can directly improve both comfort and function.
While the patients may look different, the principles translate. Veterinary rehabilitation adapts human-based techniques to each animal’s anatomy, movement patterns, and tolerance. The goal remains the same: improve tissue quality, support movement, and reduce discomfort through controlled, intentional application.
Not all animals, or tissues, are the same. Treating a small dog requires a very different approach than working on a large horse, which makes tool selection especially important. Clinicians must adjust pressure, contact area, and angles based on the size and structure of the animal.
That’s where purpose-built instruments matter. Tools like the HGPro Multi-Tool allow for precise, controlled treatment on smaller animals, while larger instruments—like the XLG handlebar—are designed to cover more surface area for equine applications. Ergonomic design also helps clinicians maintain consistent pressure and control throughout treatment.
While veterinary-specific IASTM research is still emerging, existing soft tissue mobilization literature supports its role in improving circulation, influencing tissue behavior, and supporting rehabilitation outcomes. As animal rehab continues to grow, more clinicians are applying these principles to help animals move and feel better.
IASTM in Practice: Real Examples in Dogs and Horses
One of the most compelling aspects of IASTM in animal care is how it translates into real, observable outcomes.
Dogs: Small Animals, Big Impact
The French bulldog mentioned earlier is a clear example of how quickly soft tissue work can influence comfort and movement. After just a few minutes of IASTM integrated into treatment, her spasms eased and she was able to stand and walk again, highlighting how impactful the right intervention can be.
For Dr. Michelle Rupp, this isn’t a one-off case. At All Good Pets, she regularly incorporates HawkGrips into treatment, using the tools on nearly every patient. Over time, she’s seen consistent improvements in mobility, reduced pain responses, and better tolerance to care across a wide range of cases.
Another example comes from HawkGrips instructor Chris Capilli, who used IASTM on his own 7-year-old Border Collie/Lab after noticing a limp. After a short session targeting the affected area, he saw a clear improvement in her ability to move more comfortably.
HawkGrips instructor Ted Forcum has also demonstrated IASTM in canine patients, using the tools to address soft tissue restrictions and support improved movement, further reinforcing how adaptable the technique can be.
Horses: Scaling Treatment for Larger Animals
IASTM isn’t limited to small animals. In equine settings, clinicians use larger instruments—like the XLG handlebar—to address soft tissue restrictions across broader surface areas.
Designed for larger anatomy, the XLG allows for efficient treatment while maintaining control and consistency. Clinicians working with horses have reported improvements in mobility, reduced stiffness, and smoother overall movement following treatment.
HawkGrips IASTM Tools in Action
When applying IASTM in veterinary settings, tool selection matters just as much as technique. Different animals, and different treatment areas, require varying levels of precision, contact, and control.
For small to medium animals like dogs, tools such as the HGPro Multi-Tool allow for targeted, controlled treatment. Its multiple treatment edges make it easier to adapt to different regions, whether working through smaller muscle groups or around joints. This level of precision is especially useful for animals that may be more sensitive or reactive to input. The Tongue Depressor and Small & Medium Multi-Curves are also favorites for these animals.
For larger animals like horses, treatment demands shift. The XLG handlebar is designed to cover greater surface area while maintaining consistent pressure and efficiency. Its size and shape allow clinicians to work more effectively with equine anatomy, where reach and leverage are key.
Across both settings, control and ease of use remain essential. HawkGrips instruments are ergonomic, durable, and portable, supporting consistent application without unnecessary strain on the clinician.
The tools don’t replace clinical reasoning, but they do make precise, efficient, and well-tolerated treatment easier to deliver.
Benefits of IASTM for Animals and Their Humans
When IASTM is applied thoughtfully in veterinary care, the benefits extend beyond the treatment session—for both the animal and the people caring for them.
For the animal, targeted soft tissue work may support:
- Faster recovery after injury or surgery
- Reduced pain, muscle spasms, and irritation
- Improved mobility and range of motion
- Better overall quality of life
Even small changes—less stiffness, smoother movement, improved tolerance to activity—can have a meaningful impact day to day.
For pet owners and clinicians, those changes build confidence. Seeing an animal move more comfortably or return to normal activity reinforces trust in the treatment plan and the care being provided.
It’s important to note that IASTM is not a standalone solution. It works best as part of a comprehensive approach, complementing veterinary care, rehabilitation strategies, and clinical decision-making to support optimal outcomes.
IASTM Training for Veterinary and Rehab Professionals
As interest in animal rehabilitation grows, so does the need for proper training. While many IASTM principles translate from human care, safe and effective application still requires a strong foundation in technique, dosing, and clinical reasoning.
For clinicians looking to expand into this space, education is the first step. HawkGrips offers a range of options to build both confidence and competence, including:
- Level I & Level II IASTM courses (in-person and virtual)
- Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training
- On-demand CEU courses for flexible learning
- Free CEU webinars covering evolving topics in rehab and performance
These programs focus on practical application, helping clinicians understand not just how to use the tools, but when and why to use them.
When working with animals, the goal isn’t to treat them like human patients. It’s to adapt proven principles to different anatomies, movement patterns, and tolerances. That level of skill comes from education, repetition, and guided experience.
Before incorporating IASTM into veterinary care, clinicians should pursue appropriate training and hands-on learning to ensure safe, effective application.
IASTM for Animals: Key Takeaways
IASTM continues to show how versatile it can be, extending well beyond human care. From dogs recovering from injury to horses improving mobility, the same soft tissue principles are helping animals move and feel better.
What stands out most are the outcomes: less pain, improved movement, and a better quality of life. For clinicians, and the owners who care for these animals, that impact matters.
As veterinary rehabilitation continues to grow, so does the opportunity to apply these techniques in a thoughtful, evidence-informed way. Whether you’re a veterinarian, rehab professional, or simply interested in animal care, the foundation starts with proper education and training.
If you’re ready to learn more, explore HawkGrips tools and education offerings, and see how IASTM is being applied across both human and animal care.