The Benefits of Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is a complimentary therapy that provides safe exercise without stress. It can have significant benefits in aiding your dog’s healing and recovery rate after surgery or injury, increasing the chance of successful return to normal fitness. Water has some amazing properties. The hydrostatic pressure of the water combined with the water temperature of 29-31oC offers:
- Relief from pain, swelling and stiffness
- Muscle relaxation
- Improved circulation
The pool offers non weightbearing exercise and in the treadmill, we can use floatation devices and the level of the water to adjust the amount of weightbearing according to the dog’s treatment plan. The benefits include:
- Increased range of motion in joints – improved mobility
- Muscle strengthening and maintenance
- Cardiovascular fitness (heart & lungs)
- An increase in sensory perception
- Pre- and post-operative conditioning
- Overall general fitness and conditioning
- Improved mental wellbeing
Many conditions can be treated in both the pool and the treadmill and some dogs benefit from a combination of both. The decision between pool and /or treadmill is made after the therapist has received medical history from the vet and depends on the individual dog and how they present at initial assessment and can change during the treatment plan.
Conditions that benefit from Hydrotherapy
- Arthritis
- Hip/elbow Dysplasia
- Recovery from Injury
- Spinal Injuries
- Osteochronditis Dissecans
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- TPLO
- Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture
- CDRM
- Some Neurological disorders
- Amputation of a limb
- Weight loss in conjunction with a diet