Hydrotherapy is one of the best forms of exercise to aid recovery. It uses every muscle in the body without causing stress on the joints due to the buoyancy of the water.
The warmth of the water helps the dog to relax and increases blood circulation this will in turn increase the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and help flush out waste products.
Hydrotherapy is considered to be a natural anti-inflammatory in its ability to reduce tissue swelling.
Hydrotherapy is ideal for dogs that are on cage rest or limited exercise. It can help alleviate some of the frustration and boredom often associated with the recovery process. It is a safe energy release that also boosts mental well-being.
A qualified hydrotherapist will accompany all rehabilitation dogs in the water.
Your pets specific treatment plan may require both the pool and the underwater treadmill.
Pool Therapy
As the exercise is non-weight bearing it encourages full extension of the limbs giving a greater range of movement and helping to ease stiff and painful joints.
It helps encourage weight bearing in patients following surgery and patients with osteoarthritis, building confidence in the animal to use the limb again.
It is suitable for patients of all sizes and can be really helpful part of a weight loss programme.
Your pet will be fitted with a life jacket which helps to keep the spine in a neutral position whilst swimming, as well as giving the hydrotherapist something to use to handle the patient comfortably.
Time will be spent ensuring your pet feels as safe and comfortable as possible in the environment. The more relaxed the patient is, the better the progress will be.
The amount of swimming the patient does will vary depending on condition and fitness level, increasing as they progress and improve.
Underwater treadmill
This is where the patient walks through water. This form of hydrotherapy is semi weight bearing. The amount of weight bearing through the joints is controlled by the depth of the water. The speed the animal walks and for how long is all individually planned, often increasing as the patient improves.
Again, we take measures to ensure your pet is comfortable in the treadmill.
This type of treatment is often used to reeducate the gait in neurological patients.
Underwater treadmill therapy can be preferred for animals who have a fear of water and is often preferred for brachycephalicbreeds.
