Our Interpretation Of Available Regulations
The information contained in this page is NOT legal advice. Please seek your own general counsel for all legal matters concerning your practice. The following information may change at any time and may not be up to date. This information was last updated December 2024 based on our available research that we were able to find. Use CTRL+F to find your state on this page.
Generally speaking on a high level the legality of providing these services is around whether or not you are promising medical outcomes. Therefore so long as you are not guaranteeing any treatment of medical conditions or specific medical outcomes you are in the clear.
Cryotherapy Regulations by State
(Humans)
Cryotherapy, particularly whole-body cryotherapy (WBC), involves exposing the body to extreme cold (often below -100°C) for therapeutic purposes. Regulations typically address operator training, client safety (e.g., preventing frostbite), and whether it’s classified as a medical procedure requiring oversight. Many states lack specific cryotherapy laws, treating it as a wellness practice unless medical claims are made, in which case it may fall under medical board jurisdiction.
Alabama: No specific cryotherapy regulations. Falls under general business licensing unless medical claims are made, then requires a licensed medical professional (e.g., MD, PT).
Alaska: No explicit laws. Likely regulated under general health and safety codes; operators may need basic training for liability.
Arizona: No state-specific cryotherapy laws. Physical therapists and chiropractors can offer it within their scope; otherwise, it’s a wellness service.
Arkansas: No dedicated regulations. Cryotherapy devices must comply with FDA guidelines if marketed medically; operators need no specific license for non-medical use.
California: No statewide cryotherapy-specific law, but strict consumer safety laws apply (e.g., Business and Professions Code). Medical use requires a licensed practitioner; wellness centers need clear disclaimers.
Colorado: No specific regulations. Treated as a non-medical wellness practice unless overseen by a licensed professional (e.g., PT, MD).
Connecticut: No explicit cryotherapy laws. General health regulations apply; medical oversight required if therapeutic claims are made.
Delaware: No specific rules. Operators must follow general safety standards; medical use falls under physician or PT scope.
Florida: No statewide cryotherapy regulation. Department of Health oversees if medical claims are made; otherwise, a business license suffices.
Georgia: No specific laws. Cryotherapy considered a wellness practice unless medical, then requires licensed oversight.
Hawaii: No explicit regulations. General health and safety codes apply; medical use needs a licensed practitioner.
Idaho: No cryotherapy-specific laws. Treated as a non-regulated wellness service unless medical claims trigger oversight.
Illinois: No specific regulations. Falls under general business and safety laws; medical use requires a licensed professional.
Indiana: No dedicated cryotherapy laws. Operators must ensure safety; medical claims require PT or MD supervision.
Iowa: No specific regulations. Cryotherapy is unregulated as a wellness practice unless medical in nature.
Kansas: No explicit laws. General health codes apply; medical use falls under professional licensing.
Kentucky: No cryotherapy-specific regulations. Treated as a wellness service; medical use needs licensed oversight.
Louisiana: No statewide laws. Safety standards apply; medical claims require a licensed practitioner.
Maine: No specific regulations. General business and health codes govern; medical use needs professional licensure.
Maryland: No cryotherapy laws. Wellness centers operate freely; medical use requires MD or PT oversight.
Massachusetts: No explicit regulations. Safety compliance required; medical claims trigger professional licensing rules.
Michigan: No specific cryotherapy laws. Treated as a wellness practice unless medical, then regulated by health boards.
Minnesota: No dedicated regulations. General safety laws apply; medical use requires a licensed practitioner.
Mississippi: No cryotherapy-specific laws. Wellness use unregulated; medical use under professional scope.
Missouri: No explicit regulations. Safety standards apply; medical claims need licensed oversight.
Montana: No specific laws. Treated as a wellness service; medical use requires professional licensure.
Nebraska: No cryotherapy regulations. General health codes apply; medical use needs a licensed practitioner.
Nevada: No statewide laws, but Las Vegas has seen local ordinances requiring operator training and safety protocols.
New Hampshire: No specific regulations. Wellness use unregulated; medical use under professional scope.
New Jersey: No cryotherapy-specific laws. General safety and business laws apply; medical use requires licensure.
New Mexico: No explicit regulations. Wellness practice unless medical, then overseen by health boards.
New York: No specific statewide law, but NYC has stricter safety rules (e.g., operator training, client waivers) due to frostbite incidents.
North Carolina: No cryotherapy regulations. Treated as wellness unless medical claims are made.
North Dakota: No specific laws. General safety standards apply; medical use requires licensure.
Ohio: No explicit regulations. Wellness centers operate freely; medical use needs PT or MD oversight.
Oklahoma: No cryotherapy-specific laws. Safety compliance required; medical use under professional scope.
Oregon: No statewide regulations. General health codes apply; medical claims trigger oversight.
Pennsylvania: No specific laws. Wellness use unregulated; medical use requires licensed practitioner.
Rhode Island: No cryotherapy regulations. Safety standards apply; medical use under professional scope.
South Carolina: No explicit laws. Treated as wellness unless medical, then regulated by health boards.
South Dakota: No specific regulations. General safety laws apply; medical use needs licensure.
Tennessee: No cryotherapy-specific laws. Wellness practice unless medical claims are made.
Texas: No statewide regulations, but some cities (e.g., Austin) require operator training and safety protocols.
Utah: No specific laws. Wellness use unregulated; medical use requires licensed oversight.
Vermont: No cryotherapy regulations. General health codes apply; medical use under professional scope.
Virginia: No explicit laws. Safety standards apply; medical claims need licensed practitioner.
Washington: No specific regulations. Wellness centers operate freely; medical use requires oversight.
West Virginia: No cryotherapy laws. Treated as wellness unless medical, then regulated.
Wisconsin: No specific regulations. General safety laws apply; medical use needs licensure.
Wyoming: No explicit laws. Wellness practice unregulated; medical use under professional scope.
General Notes on Cryotherapy:
The FDA does not regulate cryotherapy chambers as medical devices unless specific health claims are made, leaving much regulation to states or localities.
Common requirements (where regulated) include operator training, client consent forms, and safety measures (e.g., protective gear, time limits).
States with no specific laws often defer to professional scopes of practice (e.g., physical therapy, medicine) when cryotherapy is used therapeutically.
Cold Fascia Mobilization by State
(Humans)
Cold fascia mobilization sometimes referred to as muscle scraping (e.g., IASTM, Gua Sha) involves using tools or cold application to manipulate soft tissue. It’s typically regulated under the scope of practice for licensed professionals like physical therapists (PTs), chiropractors, massage therapists, or athletic trainers, rather than as a distinct practice. Few states have laws specifically naming these techniques; instead, they fall under broader therapeutic categories.
Alabama: No specific laws. Allowed within PT, chiropractic, or massage therapy scope with proper licensure.
Alaska: No explicit regulations. Permitted under PT or massage therapy license.
Arizona: No specific laws. PTs and chiropractors can perform within scope; massage therapists may need training.
Arkansas: No dedicated regulations. Falls under PT or chiropractic scope; massage therapists may use with certification.
California: No specific laws. PTs, chiropractors, and massage therapists (with training) can perform under license.
Colorado: No explicit regulations. Allowed within PT, chiropractic, or massage therapy scope.
Connecticut: No specific laws. PTs and chiropractors can use; massage therapists need
relevant training.
Delaware: No regulations. Falls under licensed professional scope (PT, chiropractic, massage).
Florida: No specific laws. PTs, chiropractors, and massage therapists (with certification) can perform.
Georgia: No explicit regulations. Allowed within PT or chiropractic scope; massage therapists may need training.
Hawaii: No specific laws. PTs and chiropractors can use; massage therapists regulated under HRS Chapter 452.
Idaho: No regulations. Falls under PT, chiropractic, or massage therapy scope.
Illinois: No specific laws. PTs and chiropractors can perform; massage therapists need training (225 ILCS 57).
Indiana: No explicit regulations. Allowed within PT or chiropractic scope; massage therapists may use with certification.
Iowa: No specific laws. PTs, chiropractors, and massage therapists (with training) can perform.
Kansas: No regulations. Falls under PT or chiropractic scope; massage therapists need
licensure.
Kentucky: No specific laws. PTs and chiropractors can use; massage therapists regulated under KRS Chapter 309.
Louisiana: No explicit regulations. Allowed within PT, chiropractic, or massage therapy scope.
Maine: No specific laws. PTs and chiropractors can perform; massage therapists need training.
Maryland: No regulations. Falls under PT or chiropractic scope; massage therapists may use with certification.
Massachusetts: No specific laws. PTs, chiropractors, and massage therapists (with training) can perform.
Michigan: No explicit regulations. Allowed within PT or chiropractic scope; massage therapists need licensure.
Minnesota: No specific laws. PTs and chiropractors can use; massage therapists regulated under MN Statutes Chapter 148.
Mississippi: No regulations. Falls under PT, chiropractic, or massage therapy scope.
Missouri: No specific laws. PTs and chiropractors can perform; massage therapists need training.
Montana: No explicit regulations. Allowed within PT or chiropractic scope; massage therapists may use with certification.
Nebraska: No specific laws. PTs, chiropractors, and massage therapists (with training) can perform.
Nevada: No regulations. Falls under PT or chiropractic scope; massage therapists regulated under NRS Chapter 640C.
New Hampshire: No specific laws. PTs and chiropractors can use; massage therapists need licensure.
New Jersey: No explicit regulations. Allowed within PT, chiropractic, or massage therapy scope.
New Mexico: No specific laws. PTs and chiropractors can perform; massage therapists need training.
New York: No regulations. Falls under PT or chiropractic scope; massage therapists regulated under Education Law Article 155.
North Carolina: No specific laws. PTs, chiropractors, and massage therapists (with training) can perform.
North Dakota: No explicit regulations. Allowed within PT or chiropractic scope; massage therapists need licensure.
Ohio: No specific laws. PTs and chiropractors can use; massage therapists regulated under ORC Chapter 4731.
Oklahoma: No regulations. Falls under PT, chiropractic, or massage therapy scope.
Oregon: No specific laws. PTs and chiropractors can perform; massage therapists need training (ORS Chapter 687).
Pennsylvania: No explicit regulations. Allowed within PT or chiropractic scope; massage therapists may use with certification.
Rhode Island: No specific laws. PTs, chiropractors, and massage therapists (with training) can perform.
South Carolina: No regulations. Falls under PT or chiropractic scope; massage therapists need licensure.
South Dakota: No specific laws. PTs and chiropractors can use; massage therapists regulated under SDCL Chapter 36-35.
Tennessee: No explicit regulations. Allowed within PT, chiropractic, or massage therapy scope.
Texas: No specific laws. PTs and chiropractors can perform; massage therapists need training (Occupations Code Chapter 455).
Utah: No regulations. Falls under PT or chiropractic scope; massage therapists regulated under Utah Code Title 58.
Vermont: No specific laws. PTs, chiropractors, and massage therapists (with training) can perform.
Virginia: No explicit regulations. Allowed within PT or chiropractic scope; massage therapists need licensure.
Washington: No specific laws. PTs and chiropractors can use; massage therapists regulated under RCW Chapter 18.108.
West Virginia: No regulations. Falls under PT, chiropractic, or massage therapy scope.
Wisconsin: No specific laws. PTs and chiropractors can perform; massage therapists need training.
Wyoming: No explicit regulations. Allowed within PT, chiropractic, or massage therapy scope.
General Notes on Cold Fascia Mobilization/Muscle Scraping:
These techniques are rarely regulated independently but are considered part of soft tissue manipulation, falling under the scope of practice for PTs (regulated by state PT boards), chiropractors (state chiropractic boards), or massage therapists (state massage therapy boards).
Training or certification (e.g., in IASTM like Graston Technique) is often required by professional boards or employers, even if not explicitly mandated by state law.
Unlicensed individuals performing these techniques for compensation may violate state practice acts, risking penalties for practicing medicine or therapy without a license.
Cryotherapy Regulations by State
(Canines)
Alabama: No specific canine cryotherapy laws. Veterinary practice governs therapeutic use (Code of Ala. § 34-29-61); veterinarians or supervised staff can perform. Non-medical use (e.g., cooling pads by owners) unregulated.
Alaska: No explicit regulations. Veterinary oversight required for medical use (Alaska Stat. § 08.98.250); wellness use by owners or trainers likely permitted.
Arizona: No specific laws. Veterinary Practice Act (A.R.S. § 32-2231) applies if medical; non-medical use by owners (e.g., cold packs) unrestricted.
Arkansas: No dedicated regulations. Veterinary supervision needed for therapeutic claims (Ark. Code § 17-101-102); wellness use by owners allowed.
California: No canine-specific cryotherapy laws. Veterinary Medical Board (Bus. & Prof. Code § 4826) requires vet licensure for medical use; non-medical use unregulated.
Colorado: No specific regulations. Veterinary oversight required for therapy (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-104); non-medical use by owners permitted.
Connecticut: No explicit laws. Veterinary practice act (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-197) governs medical use; wellness use unrestricted.
Delaware: No specific regulations. Veterinary supervision needed for therapeutic use (24 Del. C. § 3303); non-medical use by owners allowed.
Florida: No statewide canine cryotherapy laws. Veterinary oversight required for medical claims (Fla. Stat. § 474.202); wellness use unregulated.
Georgia: No specific laws. Veterinary Practice Act (O.C.G.A. § 43-50-21) governs therapeutic use; non-medical use unrestricted.
Hawaii: No explicit regulations. Veterinary licensure needed for medical use (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 471-2); wellness use by owners permitted.
Idaho: No specific laws. Veterinary oversight required for therapy (Idaho Code § 54-2103); non-medical use unregulated.
Illinois: No canine cryotherapy regulations. Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act (225 ILCS 115/4) applies if medical; otherwise unrestricted.
Indiana: No specific laws. Veterinary supervision needed for therapeutic use (Ind. Code § 25-38.1-1-12); wellness use permitted.
Iowa: No explicit regulations. Veterinary oversight required for medical claims (Iowa Code § 169.3); non-medical use unrestricted.
Kansas: No specific laws. Veterinary Practice Act (K.S.A. § 47-816) governs therapeutic use; wellness use by owners allowed.
Kentucky: No canine cryotherapy regulations. Veterinary licensure needed for medical use (KRS § 321.181); wellness use unrestricted.
Louisiana: No specific laws. Veterinary oversight required for therapy (La. R.S. § 37:1513); non-medical use permitted.
Maine: No explicit regulations. Veterinary Practice Act (32 M.R.S. § 4853) applies if medical; wellness use unregulated.
Maryland: No specific laws. Veterinary supervision needed for therapeutic claims (Md. Code, Agric. § 2-301); wellness use allowed.
Massachusetts: No canine cryotherapy regulations. Veterinary oversight required for medical use (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 112, § 54); non-medical use unrestricted.
Michigan: No specific laws. Veterinary Practice Act (Mich. Comp. Laws § 333.18805) governs therapy; wellness use by owners permitted.
Minnesota: No explicit regulations. Veterinary licensure needed for medical use (Minn. Stat. § 156.01); wellness use unrestricted.
Mississippi: No specific laws. Veterinary oversight required for therapeutic claims (Miss. Code § 73-39-53); non-medical use allowed.
Missouri: No canine cryotherapy regulations. Veterinary Practice Act (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 340.200) applies if medical; wellness use unrestricted.
Montana: No specific laws. Veterinary supervision needed for therapy (Mont. Code Ann. § 37-18-102); non-medical use permitted.
Nebraska: No explicit regulations. Veterinary oversight required for medical use (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-3309); wellness use unregulated.
Nevada: No specific laws. Veterinary Practice Act (NRS § 638.017) governs therapeutic use; wellness use by owners allowed.
New Hampshire: No canine cryotherapy regulations. Veterinary licensure needed for medical claims (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 332-B:1); non-medical use unrestricted.
New Jersey: No specific laws. Veterinary oversight required for therapy (N.J. Stat. § 45:16-1); wellness use permitted.
New Mexico: No explicit regulations. Veterinary Practice Act (N.M. Stat. § 61-14-2) applies if medical; non-medical use unregulated.
New York: No specific canine cryotherapy laws. Veterinary supervision needed for therapeutic use (N.Y. Educ. Law § 6702); wellness use allowed.
North Carolina: No regulations. Veterinary oversight required for medical claims (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-181); non-medical use unrestricted.
North Dakota: No specific laws. Veterinary Practice Act (N.D. Cent. Code § 43-29-01) governs therapy; wellness use permitted.
Ohio: No canine cryotherapy regulations. Veterinary licensure needed for medical use (Ohio Rev. Code § 4741.01); non-medical use unrestricted.
Oklahoma: No specific laws. Veterinary oversight required for therapeutic claims (59 Okl. St. § 698.2); wellness use allowed.
Oregon: No explicit regulations. Veterinary Practice Act (ORS § 686.020) applies if medical; non-medical use unregulated.
Pennsylvania: No specific laws. Veterinary supervision needed for therapy (63 P.S. § 485.2); wellness use permitted.
Rhode Island: No canine cryotherapy regulations. Veterinary oversight required for medical use (R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-25-2); non-medical use unrestricted.
South Carolina: No specific laws. Veterinary Practice Act (S.C. Code § 40-69-20) governs therapeutic use; wellness use allowed.
South Dakota: No explicit regulations. Veterinary licensure needed for medical claims (S.D. Codified Laws § 36-12-1); non-medical use unrestricted.
Tennessee: No specific laws. Veterinary oversight required for therapy (Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-103); wellness use permitted.
Texas: No canine cryotherapy regulations. Veterinary Practice Act (Tex. Occ. Code § 801.002) applies if medical; non-medical use unregulated.
Utah: No specific laws. Veterinary supervision needed for therapeutic use (Utah Code § 58-28-102); wellness use allowed.
Vermont: No explicit regulations. Veterinary oversight required for medical claims (Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 26, § 2401); non-medical use unrestricted.
Virginia: No specific laws. Veterinary Practice Act (Va. Code § 54.1-3800) governs therapy; wellness use permitted.
Washington: No canine cryotherapy regulations. Veterinary licensure needed for medical use (RCW § 18.92.010); non-medical use unrestricted.
West Virginia: No specific laws. Veterinary oversight required for therapeutic claims (W. Va. Code § 30-10-1); wellness use allowed.
Wisconsin: No explicit regulations. Veterinary Practice Act (Wis. Stat. § 89.02) applies if medical; non-medical use unregulated.
Wyoming: No specific laws. Veterinary supervision needed for therapy (Wyo. Stat. § 33-30-202); wellness use permitted.
General Notes on Canine Cryotherapy:
No state has specific laws targeting canine cryotherapy. Regulations fall under veterinary practice acts when used to diagnose or treat conditions, requiring a licensed veterinarian (DVM) or supervised staff.Non-medical use (e.g., cooling mats, cold packs by owners for comfort or recovery) is generally unregulated, often considered part of pet care exemptions.Advanced devices (e.g., cryochambers, CO2 units) may face federal FDA scrutiny if marketed with medical claims, but this isn’t state-specific.Unlike equine contexts, canine cryotherapy lacks sport-related restrictions (e.g., no equivalent to FEI rules). However, agility or working dog communities may have informal guidelines.Veterinary oversight is stricter for dogs than horses in some states due to narrower animal husbandry exemptions, emphasizing professional involvement for therapeutic claims.
Cold Fascia Mobilization by State
(Canines)
Alabama: No specific canine cold fascia mobilization laws. Veterinary oversight required if therapeutic (Code of Ala. § 34-29-61); non-medical use by owners (e.g., gentle massage) unregulated. Unlicensed practitioners may face restrictions if charging.
Alaska: No explicit regulations. Falls under veterinary scope for medical use (Alaska Stat. § 08.98.250); wellness use by owners or trainers unrestricted.
Arizona: No specific laws. Veterinary Practice Act applies for therapy (A.R.S. § 32-2231); non-medical use by owners permitted.
Arkansas: No regulations. Veterinary supervision needed for therapeutic claims (Ark. Code § 17-101-102); non-medical use unrestricted.
California: No canine-specific laws. Veterinary licensure required for medical use (Bus. & Prof. Code § 4826); certified canine massage therapists may perform with training for wellness.
Colorado: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapy (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 12-315-104); non-medical use by owners allowed.
Connecticut: No laws. Veterinary oversight required for therapeutic use (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-197); wellness use unregulated.
Delaware: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for medical use (24 Del. C. § 3303); non-medical use by owners permitted.
Florida: No explicit laws. Veterinary oversight needed for therapy (Fla. Stat. § 474.202); certified canine massage therapists may perform with training for wellness.
Georgia: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapeutic use (O.C.G.A. § 43-50-21); non-medical use unrestricted.
Hawaii: No laws. Veterinary licensure required for medical use (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 471-2); non-medical use by owners allowed.
Idaho: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapy (Idaho Code § 54-2103); non-medical use unregulated.
Illinois: No explicit laws. Veterinary oversight needed for therapy (225 ILCS 115/4); certified therapists may perform under veterinary supervision.
Indiana: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapeutic use (Ind. Code § 25-38.1-1-12); non-medical use permitted.
Iowa: No laws. Veterinary oversight required for therapy (Iowa Code § 169.3); non-medical use unrestricted.
Kansas: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapeutic use (K.S.A. § 47-816); non-medical use by owners allowed.
Kentucky: No explicit laws. Veterinary licensure needed for medical use (KRS § 321.181); certified canine therapists may perform with training for wellness.
Louisiana: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapy (La. R.S. § 37:1513); non-medical use permitted.
Maine: No laws. Veterinary oversight required for therapy (32 M.R.S. § 4853); non-medical use unregulated.
Maryland: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapeutic use (Md. Code, Agric. § 2-301); certified therapists may perform for wellness.
Massachusetts: No explicit laws. Veterinary oversight needed for therapy (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 112, § 54); non-medical use unrestricted.
Michigan: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapy (Mich. Comp. Laws § 333.18805); non-medical use by owners permitted.
Minnesota: No laws. Veterinary licensure required for therapy (Minn. Stat. § 156.01); non-medical use unregulated.
Mississippi: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapeutic use (Miss. Code § 73-39-53); non-medical use allowed.
Missouri: No explicit laws. Veterinary oversight needed for therapy (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 340.200); certified therapists may perform for wellness.
Montana: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapy (Mont. Code Ann. § 37-18-102); non-medical use permitted.
Nebraska: No laws. Veterinary oversight required for therapy (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-3309); non-medical use unregulated.
Nevada: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapy (NRS § 638.017); certified canine therapists may perform with training.
New Hampshire: No explicit laws. Veterinary licensure needed for therapy (N.H. Rev. Stat. § 332-B:1); non-medical use unrestricted.
New Jersey: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapy (N.J. Stat. § 45:16-1); non-medical use permitted.
New Mexico: No laws. Veterinary oversight required for therapy (N.M. Stat. § 61-14-2); non-medical use unregulated.
New York: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapeutic use (N.Y. Educ. Law § 6702); certified therapists may perform for wellness.
North Carolina: No explicit laws. Veterinary oversight needed for therapy (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-181); non-medical use allowed.
North Dakota: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapy (N.D. Cent. Code § 43-29-01); non-medical use permitted.
Ohio: No laws. Veterinary licensure required for therapy (Ohio Rev. Code § 4741.01); non-medical use unregulated.
Oklahoma: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapy (59 Okl. St. § 698.2); certified canine therapists may perform with training.
Oregon: No explicit laws. Veterinary oversight needed for therapy (ORS § 686.020); non-medical use unrestricted.
Pennsylvania: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapy (63 P.S. § 485.2); certified therapists may perform for wellness.
Rhode Island: No laws. Veterinary oversight required for therapy (R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-25-2); non-medical use unregulated.
South Carolina: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapy (S.C. Code § 40-69-20); non-medical use permitted.
South Dakota: No explicit laws. Veterinary licensure needed for therapy (S.D. Codified Laws § 36-12-1); non-medical use unrestricted.
Tennessee: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapy (Tenn. Code Ann. § 63-12-103); certified canine therapists may perform.
Texas: No laws. Veterinary oversight required for therapy (Tex. Occ. Code § 801.002); non-medical use allowed.
Utah: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapy (Utah Code § 58-28-102); non-medical use permitted.
Vermont: No explicit laws. Veterinary oversight needed for therapy (Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 26, § 2401); non-medical use unregulated.
Virginia: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapy (Va. Code § 54.1-3800); certified therapists may perform for wellness.
Washington: No laws. Veterinary licensure required for therapy (RCW § 18.92.010); non-medical use unrestricted.
West Virginia: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapy (W. Va. Code § 30-10-1); non-medical use permitted.
Wisconsin: No explicit laws. Veterinary oversight needed for therapy (Wis. Stat. § 89.02); certified canine therapists may perform with training.
Wyoming: No specific regulations. Veterinary scope applies for therapy (Wyo. Stat. § 33-30-202); non-medical use allowed.
General Notes on Canine Cold Fascia Mobilization:
No state explicitly regulates cold fascia mobilizationström for dogs. It typically falls under veterinary practice acts for therapeutic use (e.g., treating injuries or diagnosed conditions), requiring a licensed veterinarian (DVM) or supervised staff.Non-medical use (e.g., gentle fascia work by owners or trainers for relaxation or maintenance) is generally unregulated, considered part of pet care exemptions.Certified canine massage therapists, where recognized (e.g., CA, FL, KY), may perform cold fascia mobilization for wellness with proper training, often under veterinary referral or supervision to avoid legal issues.Veterinary oversight is stricter for dogs than horses in some states due to limited animal husbandry exemptions, emphasizing professional involvement for therapeutic claims.Tools must comply with animal welfare laws to avoid causing harm; misuse could trigger cruelty investigations under state statutes.Training or certification (e.g., canine IASTM or massage programs) is a professional standard, not a legal requirement, unless specified by state veterinary boards.Unlike equine contexts, canine applications lack sport-specific rules (e.g., no equivalent to FEI regulations), but working or agility dog communities may encourage veterinary consultation.
Websites And Resources To Regulators
These resources are for you to do YOUR OWN research. We are not affiliated with any of these organizations unless it explicitly states so.
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Description: A leading organization for veterinarians, offering resources on canine rehabilitation, including cryotherapy for injury recovery and inflammation management. Provides guidelines on alternative therapies like soft tissue mobilization.
Website: www.avma.org
American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA)
Description: Promotes holistic approaches to veterinary care, including cryotherapy (e.g., cold packs for pain relief) and manual therapies like fascia mobilization for dogs. Offers resources and practitioner directories.
Website: www.ahvma.org
International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork (IAAMB)
Description: Focuses on animal massage and bodywork, including canine fascia mobilization techniques. Provides certification programs and resources for practitioners, with some coverage of cold therapy integration.
Website: www.iaamb.org
Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI)
Description: Specializes in canine physical therapy and rehabilitation, offering training on cryotherapy for post-surgical recovery and cold fascia mobilization techniques. Includes certifications for veterinarians and therapists.
Website: www.caninerehabinstitute.com
Academic Institutions
Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Description: A top veterinary school with research and resources on canine rehabilitation, including cryotherapy for musculoskeletal injuries and manual therapies like fascia mobilization. Offers continuing education for practitioners.
Website: vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu
University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine
Description: Provides articles and training programs on canine physical therapy, covering cryotherapy applications (e.g., cold packs for swelling) and soft tissue mobilization techniques. Known for its canine rehabilitation certificate program.
Website: vetmed.tennessee.edu
Regulatory Bodies
American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB)
Description: Coordinates veterinary regulation across U.S. states, providing guidance on therapies like cryotherapy and fascia mobilization under veterinary practice acts. Links to state-specific boards for local rules.
Website: www.aavsb.org
California Veterinary Medical Board
Description: Oversees veterinary practice in California, including alternative therapies like canine cryotherapy and fascia mobilization. Sets standards for licensure and scope of practice. Check other state boards for local regulations.
Website: www.vmb.ca.gov
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Center for Veterinary Medicine
Description: Federal agency regulating veterinary devices, including cryotherapy equipment (e.g., cryochambers) used on dogs. Provides guidance on safety and efficacy for devices marketed with medical claims.
Website: www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary
Peer-Reviewed Journals and Studies
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA)
Description: Publishes research on canine health, including studies on cryotherapy for pain management and rehabilitation. Occasionally covers manual therapies like fascia mobilization.
Website: avmajournals.avma.org
Veterinary Surgery
Description: A peer-reviewed journal featuring articles on canine rehabilitation, including cryotherapy for post-operative recovery and soft tissue therapies like fascia mobilization.
Website: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/1532950x
Frontiers in Veterinary Science
Description: An open-access journal with research on canine physical therapy, including cryotherapy protocols and manual techniques for soft tissue health.
Website: www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science
Additional Resources
American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR)
Description: Focuses on sports medicine and rehabilitation for dogs, offering resources on cryotherapy for injury recovery and fascia mobilization for mobility. Includes board-certified specialists.
Website: www.vsmr.org
Northwest School of Animal Massage (NWSAM)
Description: Provides training and certification in canine massage, including cold fascia mobilization techniques. Offers resources for practitioners integrating cold therapy with manual work.
Website: www.nwsam.com
Veterinary Information Network (VIN)
Description: A subscription-based platform for veterinarians, with forums and articles on canine cryotherapy and soft tissue therapies. Includes practical guidance for practitioners.
Website: www.vin.com (requires membership)
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Cryotherapy is not federally regulated by the FDA. Cold Fascia Mobilization (CFM) regulations differ from state to state. It is YOUR responsibility to comply with all legal regulations in your area. Precision Canine Cryotherapy does not make any claims of health benefits or results from cryotherapy or cold fascia mobilization (CFM). Instead we let our testimonials speak for us from many happy clients we have served over the years. Brady Case operates in accordance with all state laws under the supervision of multiple veterinarian professionals and is a post secondary associate degree recreational therapist. Our training course is for persons to use on their own animals. If you wish to use our course to operate as a business, please comply with all state and federal laws. The course is NOT accredited or recognized by any regulatory institutions because the industry is not fully regulated and regulations are dependent on state. For more information visit visit our compliance page located below.
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