What is hydrotherapy?

A complimentary form of therapy, hydrotherapy is controlled exercise in water to encourage a faster rate of recovery which can not only aid post op patients but all aspects of muscular skeletal conditions. The warmth of the water provides a medium that assists with pain relief and the reduction of muscle spasm. By immersing a patient, support is provided and this allows more ability to mobilise and create normal movement patterns. Cardiovascular fitness can be increased more easily in the water, this is perfect if a patient is on restricted land exercise. Finally, the hydrostatic pressure can aid swelling reduction.

We find hydrotherapy to be a very useful tool in the rehabilitation of dogs of all sizes and breeds with a variety of orthopaedic and soft tissue problems It may be used as a pre-operative fitness regime to allow a dog to maintain condition before an operation if it can not exercise normally. When a congenital condition is identified in a puppy, it may be the case that surgery is not possible until the animal is physically mature; during the period preceding the surgery, hydrotherapy can be employed to maintain the dog’s condition. Spinal injuries or surgery can cause impairment of motor function, which may be treated by allowing the dog to exercise in water; it provides support and allows the dog to exercise its muscles while nerve regeneration is taking place. Degenerative conditions can make normal weight bearing exercise difficult and pressure on joints and limbs may aggravate some conditions, so hydrotherapy can be used in these cases to allow the dog to exercise in an environment where there is no pressure on the affected areas. Hydrotherapy may be used as part of a general fitness routine for dogs.

We understand that each patient has individual needs so please ring us so that we can discuss your dog and obtain details from you so that we can ask your vet to complete a veterinary referral form. All patients must have one before we start any treatment so that we are fully aware of any medical history that may affect our treatment plan.