Hydrotherapy is a treatment that uses the physical properties of water to assist a range of joint and other disorders. Aspects of the treatment can be adjusted to suit your pet including the temperature of the water, the buoyancy as well as the pressure which are all used for therapeutic purposes. Hydrotherapy helps to stimulate the circulation and is used to treat a range of symptoms.
Conditions treated in dogs with hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy can be beneficial for conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cruciate disease - conservative and post-surgery care, osteoarthritis, performance enhancement and fitness as well as weight loss to name but a few.
What hydrotherapy facilities are available for my dog at Oak Barn Wellness Centre?
At Oak Barn Wellness we are proud to be able to offer physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and laser therapy. We would be happy to discuss with you what would best suit your pet and their symptoms. You can call us on 01483 455355 if you would like more information on any of our services.
Benefits of underwater treadmill use for dogs
There are several advantages to using an underwater treadmill compared to swimming in a pool. Many factors can be controlled by the therapist such as: depth of the water, the speed and incline of the treadmill and which legs your pet uses when in the treadmill. This means that the therapist can target specific areas on your pet more closely.
Exercising on the underwater treadmill encourages a normal gait pattern, which is often the aim if your patient has been limping or not weight-bearing due to injury, disease or surgery.
The underwater treadmill can also make hydrotherapy accessible for those patients who are fearful of water as they walk into a dry tank and the water fills gently from the bottom. Most patients tolerate this exceptionally well as their feet are always firmly on a solid surface.
How can hydrotherapy benefit dogs?
Hydrotherapy helps to reduce pain and improve quality of life by:
- removing pressure from the joints
- reducing inflammation
- increasing muscle mass
- providing mental stimulation
- encouraging cardiovascular fitness
- increasing stamina and strength
- helping to increase blood circulation.
All of these in combination support a dog in recovery or help ease the symptoms of conditions.
How often would my dog require hydrotherapy?
Most patients attend once or twice weekly sessions with sessions lasting approximately 30 minutes, however this may be altered to suit your dog's condition.
How would I know if my dog needs hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy can help treat a wide range of injuries and help ease symptoms of certain health conditions. The low-impact nature of this therapeutic treatment exercise allows this to be used in pets of all ages, including pets with arthritis or muscle wastage.
Hydrotherapy can help support your dog if they have any of the following:
- neurological problems
- cruciate injuries
- general orthopaedic (bone) injuries or conditions
- post-surgical healing and recovery
- weight loss
- metabolic conditions that cause muscle wastage (Cushing’s disease and diabetes would be examples of this).
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