What is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy involves the use of temperature regulated water between 28 -32 degrees as a medium for rehabilitation, pain management and maintenance. It combines the natural buoyancy and resistance of water to help reduce pressure on the joints and encourage a greater range of movement The warmth of the water creates a soothing quality, increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation and aiding muscle relaxation.
What are the benefits of Hydrotherapy?
Evidenced based benefits of hydrotherapy indicate that it:
Relief from pain, swelling and stiffness
Less impact on the joints
Slows the progression of degenerative diseases
Increases core stability
Increases range of motion
Reduces oedema (fluid/swelling)
Decreases inflammation- Due to increasing blood flow
Improves cardiovascular fitness
Improves mobility
Mental stimulation
Overall general fitness
Improves quality of life
What are the benefits for dogs using an underwater treadmill?
Allows the water level to be adjusted to suit the needs of the patient
Increases proprioception from having contact with the treadmill belt
Helps to re educate gait
Can alter the speed which is important in rehabilitation
increases muscle mass due to a degree of weight going through the limbs
encourages equal weight bearing
Allows for more controlled movement which is important after surgery