Benefits of water therapy
Hydrotherapy offers a safe, buoyant environment and is beneficial for many types of post-operative cases including orthopedic and neurological conditions.
The resistance of moving through water increases strength and stamina.
Reduced weight bearing helps to alleviate pain and compensation while allowing more freedom of movement.
Range of motion is often improved during and after hydrotherapy sessions.
Hydrostatic pressure helps to reduce inflammation and edema.
The physical sensation of water bring awareness to the limbs, providing important neurological feedback for both our orthopedic and neurologic patients.
Benefits of underwater treadmill therapy
Patients who have residual paresis associated with IVDD or surgery of the spine are excellent candidates for underwater treadmill therapy.
The underwater treadmill allows us to regulate speed and water depth so that we can most effectively treat each patient based on their current level of function and strength.
Walking on a treadmill allows us to easily monitor your dog’s function and make changes to their rehabilitation plan as needed.
The action of the treadmill helps to improve balance and coordination.
The underwater treadmill is an ideal modality to improve or maintain fitness levels for active or sporting dogs.
FAQ about hydrotherapy
- Post op cruciate surgery – TPLO, TTA, soft tissue stabilization
- Non-operative or medically managed cruciate ligament injury
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Surgery of the spine and neurological disorders
- Soft tissue injury of the shoulder
- Senior mobility and function
- Chronic osteoarthritis
- Back pain and intervertebral disc disease
Hydrotherapy can begin as soon as your dog’s incision is fully healed – generally 12-14 days post operative procedure. The sooner we start, the sooner you and your dog can get back to doing the things you love!
Yes. Most dogs, even those that aren’t “water dogs” adapt well to the underwater treadmill. We do our best to make it as stressless as we can.
Because each dog is different, so is the recommended prescription for hydrotherapy. In general we see most of our patients one to two times weekly.
- Urinary tract infection
- Uncontrolled seizures
- Incisions and open wounds
- Skin sensitivity
- Vomiting or diarrhea within the previous 24 hours
- Severe cardiopulmonary or cardiovascular disease
- Female dogs who are in heat
- Severe upper airway disease such as end stage laryngeal paralysis
Yes, our underwater treadmill is treated with chlorine.
We maintain the water temperature between 88º – 90º F
We do not use our underwater treadmill as a pool unless a patient is unable support themselves in a standing posture.
Depending on your dog’s condition and level of experience, sessions in the underwater treadmill may last anywhere from 30 seconds to 20 minutes. Patients are never actively using the underwater treadmill for more than 20 minutes.
After an evaluation with one of our therapists, we are happy to provide underwater treadmill sessions as a way to improve condition for all of life’s fun activities or sporting events.
Legally, we are only able to provide hydrotherapy after a physical rehabilitation evaluation is performed by one of our in-house therapists.