HYDROTHERAPY
The Benefits of hydrotherapy
The Benefits of hydrotherapy
Decreased pain perception
Relaxation of muscle tension
Decreased heart rate at rest
Reduction of oedema
Increased active range of motion
Feeling of wellbeing due to release of endorphins
Reduction of frustration for dogs on cage rest
Long term effect
Increased range of joint motion
Increased muscle strength
Prevention of secondary complications
Improved cardiovascular fitness
Decreased pain and inflammation
Potentially earlier return of normal function
Slowing of progression of degenerative disease
Improved quality of life; each session is a social event for your dog
Dogs will only be treated at our hydrotherapy centre with authorisation from your own Veterinary Surgeon thus ensuring the correct treatment is undertaken and your animals’ needs are thoroughly checked and investigated.
We provide treatment in a quiet and controlled environment. An initial assessment for any hydrotherapy treatment usually takes approximately 1 hour and will be completed before any hydrotherapy commences. Our Hydrotherapist would take a detailed history of your dogs’ condition; this gives us the opportunity to get to know your dog and design a suitable treatment plan for your dog.
Post-operative Rehabilitation
Just like humans recovering from a surgical procedure, dogs also benefit from post-operative rehabilitation. After the initial period of rest is completed, hydrotherapy can be one of the best forms of recovery. We cannot start this rehabilitation process until your Vet allows permission to initiate treatment.
TherapEutic Water Properties
Using the water buoyancy will help to decrease pain and minimise the weight placed on joints and muscles. Hydrostatic pressure within the water reduces oedema, general pain and soreness as well as decreasing swelling of post-operative areas. It also creates phastic stimuli to the sensory skin receptors, causing a decrease in hypersensitivity. This reduction in pain perception allows patients to move with greater confidence.
WELLNESS
Canine hydrotherapy within our Hydro-Physio extended model underwater treadmill can improve health and conditioning. This low impact environment is supportive yet also resistive, with your qualified therapist ensuring that each treatment session is controlled, tailored and maximised for your dogs benefit. The viscosity and surface tension of water increases session intensity. This is a consideration for treatment of elderly patients and patients with poor cardiovascular health.
Treadmill hydrotherapy can also improve circulation to joints, in-turn improving strength and range of movement. Older dogs who have lost this range of movement particularly see the benefits of slow speed treatment and often respond with increased happiness in their overall mood.
Weight loss
Some estimates suggest that over a third of adult dogs in the UK are overweight. This can lead to higher rates of orthopaedic, respiratory, diabetes, arthritis and cardiac problems. We monitor and record each session with weigh ins, support as well as nutrition and dietary advise.
Weight loss is crucial in easing these potentially life shortening issues. Often the symptoms of disease mean that dogs have problems walking on land. A program of treadmill hydrotherapy helps the dog to exercise in a low impacting but effective way, promoting safe and healthy weight loss. The overall aim of a hydro weight loss programme may be used to prepare the patient for future exercise on land.
Gait and Posture Correction
Gait and posture can become a problem for many different reasons including; hip and elbow dysplasia, spinal conditions, hip replacement, fractures, tendonitsis, cruciate repair, osteochondritis, luxating patella and osteoarthritis, to name a few. The reduction of weight bearing stress on joints and ligaments whilst exercising in a hydrotherapy treadmill successfully helps in the re-education of gait and posture. Balance and proprioception problems caused by neurological injury can also be improved with a tailored aquatic therapy programme. Our advanced underwater treadmill training allows us to use advanced techniques to achieve results in corrective training.
Psychological Wellbeing
Often the trauma of surgery or serious injury can leave a dog depressed and miserable. A positive mental outlook is an important part of a speedy recovery. Hydrotherapy is usually a very calming experience for dogs. It helps to reduce stress levels and helps to stimulate metabolic functions. The immune and lymphatic system become enhanced, helping to rid the dogs body of toxins and regulates electrolytes in their system. Happy dogs are usually healthier dogs! Supportive movement for elderly patients within the treadmill can increase confidence and also improve mental wellbeing. Not all dogs initially like the underwater treadmill, but we will be patient and gentle allowing time for your dog to relax and get used to us and the machine.
Pain Management
Exercising in warm water is very beneficial for pain management. The therapeutic effects of water are well documented within veterinary published papers and case studies. Dogs suffering from painful joint conditions such as arthritis can be helped to manage pain with a programme of treadmill hydrotherapy. The relaxing water can help to loosens stiff muscles and reduce joint inflammation. The resistance of the water helps to strengthen and build muscle to support joints.
Training
Maintaining fitness and muscle tone in agility, fly-ball, show dogs, racing dogs and service dogs can be very effectively accomplished in a canine treadmill. Incline, speed, depth and direction can be individually tailored, giving a very personalised canine workout. The low impacting exercise is gentle on ligaments and joints and can help to extend the working life of your dogs, keeping them in top condition for as long as possible.