Debbie Gross Torraca, DPT, MSPT, CCRP,CCMT, Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Emeritus Owner and Founder

I believe EVERY dog deserves the best quality of life for the longest time possible – does not matter if they are 8 weeks of age or 18 years of age. Wizard of Paws focuses on that with every animal that walks in the door.

My education started in human physical therapy but while I was going through physical therapy school, I quickly realized that my family dog as well as all other animals could benefit from the science of physical therapy as much as people could.  As I continued with my human physical therapy career, I kept the dream of treating animals in the back of my mind while focusing on the sports medicine and orthopedics. While I was doing this, my quest for animal therapy continued and I studied as much canine anatomy, movement and treatment as I could.

Over the years, I worked at a veterinarian practice and reduced my hours at my human clinic.  At some point, I realized my mind and heart was with the animals and left the human practice. Twenty five years later, here I am.  I love working with animals and their owners in the clinic, virtually, and teaching.

I have been very fortunate to have so many people support me along my journey – and have made everlasting friends.  Our family owns two Clumber Spaniels and a rescue Cocker Spaniel, along with a multitude of salt water fish, and a chameleon.

Speaking and Publishing Highlights

Dr. Debbie Torraca has authored many chapters in veterinary textbooks, and writes for professional journals as well as magazines dedicated to the dog enthusiast. She is a regular contributor for Clean Run, Dog Sport, Working Dog Digest, Dogs Naturally, and various breed magazines. You may have seen her on Good Morning America or heard her on Ask Martha’s Vet with Marty Goldstein. She has been quoted in many newspaper articles, television shows, professional journals, and magazines.  She has recently published ground breaking research on Degenerative Myelopathy as well.

She was a speaker at the Second,Third and Fifth International Symposiums for Veterinarians and Physical Therapists and at Brian Mulligan’s First International Symposium on her application of the Mulligan principles to dogs and produced an educational dvd on these principles with him.

She has taught at many veterinary conferences including the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS), North American Veterinary Conference (NAVC), Atlantic Coast Veterinary Conference (ACVC), and many state conferences.

A long time member of American Physical Therapist Special Interest Group, Debbie has held the office of President. She is also a member of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM).

She is one of the founders and core instructors for the first and only university-based program in canine physical rehabilitation, University of Tennessee’s Certificate Program in Canine Physical Rehabilitation. She teaches throughout the year for this program with live courses and webinars.  She is also currently an instructor at the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy and teaches throughout the year.  She leads the Canine Certificate Manual Therapy program through the University of Tennessee’s outreach program.

Dr. Torraca is available through her clinic or virtually.  To make a virtual appointment, please go to the store to set up.