Dr. Chris Wooley
Dr. Chris Wooley
DPT, CMPT, Cert DN-2
Physical Therapist
I was born and raised in southern Iowa. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls in 2010. I then pursued my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Clarke University in Dubuque, graduating in 2013.
Following graduation, I began my career in Ames, Iowa, working in outpatient orthopedics. Approximately one year later, I relocated to Urbandale, Iowa, where I continued practicing within the same organization at a different clinic location. From 2017 through early 2026, I further advanced my clinical experience while working for another organization in West Des Moines.
Since graduating in 2013, I have practiced exclusively in outpatient orthopedics, treating a broad spectrum of conditions ranging from common ankle sprains to complex cases, including femoral reconstruction following extensive bone cancer requiring removal of the native femur.
Approximately one year after graduation, I completed an 18-month certification program to become a Certified Manual Physical Therapist. This advanced training enhanced my hands-on skillset, including specialized joint mobilization and manipulation techniques, as well as strengthened my clinical reasoning and differential diagnosis capabilities.
In addition, I am Level II certified in functional dry needling and have performed over 1,000 needling sessions. This certification allows me to treat a wide range of skeletal muscles throughout the body as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Service – using my skills and knowledge base to genuinely improve the lives of others
Family – being present and prioritizing meaningful time with those closest to me
Growth – continuously learning and myself and my abilities
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” – Albert Einstein
My expertise is centered in outpatient orthopedics with a strong focus on manual therapy and differential diagnosis.
I enjoy treating shoulder conditions (both non-operative and post-operative), ACL reconstruction, and neck pain.
I value working in an environment that supports clinical autonomy, allowing me to provide truly individualized, patient-centered care. Just as important, the emphasis on work-life balance enables me to be fully present both in the clinic and at home, which ultimately enhances the care I provide.
What is Dr. Chris Reading, Watching, or Listening To?
- Top Gun (Movie)
- Peaky Blinders (TV Show)
- Anything by John Sandford (Book)
When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my two young kids, wife, and our German shorthaired pointer, Kora. I enjoy cycling, golfing, hunting, fishing, reading, watching sports (Go Big Red!), and spending time with friends and family.
Patient Testimonials
“I cannot recommend Dr. Wooley enough. I started seeing him for vestibular migraines, and his approach — especially dry needling — has had a tremendously positive impact on my overall health. After struggling with frequent, debilitating headaches for so long, I have finally experienced real relief.
Chris takes the time to truly listen, thoroughly assess the root causes of symptoms, and explain each step of treatment. He always answers my questions thoughtfully and enthusiastically. His calm, professional demeanor immediately puts you at ease, and his expertise is evident in the results. The dry needling sessions significantly reduced both the intensity and frequency of my migraines, greatly improving my overall quality of life.
What sets Chris apart is his personalized, whole-person approach. He sees the whole patient, not just the symptoms. He genuinely takes your concerns to heart and develops a detailed care plan tailored to all aspects of your health and well-being.
I highly recommend seeing Chris. His expertise, compassion, dedication, and friendly demeanor make him one of the best physical therapists in the area.”
– Samantha G
“Chris is an exceptional Physical Therapist who truly cares about his patients. He listens, he explains, and he creates a clear plan that actually works. I never felt rushed during my visits, and it was obvious he was fully invested in my recovery. The combination of manual therapy, dry needling, and targeted exercises made a huge difference for me. Beyond the physical progress, he gave me peace of mind and confidence throughout the process. I would absolutely trust him again with any future care.”
-Jennifer A
“I came in with persistent pain that I had been dealing with for months and honestly wasn’t sure anything would help. From the very first visit, Chris took the time to really understand what was going on and explained everything in a way that made sense. His hands-on approach and attention to detail were unlike anything I had experienced before. Not only did my pain improve significantly, but I also felt more confident in how to manage it moving forward. I’m back to doing the activities I enjoy without limitations, and I can’t recommend him enough.”
-Michael W
“Annette and her staff are professional and extremely knowledgeable. They provide high quality care that is superb. For anyone suffering with vertigo or balance issues these are the experts you need to utilize. I would give them my highest recommendation without hesitation.”
-Steve Johnson