WHAT IS HYDROTHERAPY &
WHY IS IT A GOOD INVESTMENT?
Hydrotherapy (noun)
The use of exercises in water as part of treatment for various health conditions.
Hydrotherapy for animals is becoming an integral part of the post-operative rehabilitation process. With the availability of water or aqua therapy for dogs, with the use of underwater treadmills and swimming pools, the possibilities of offering low-risk exercise post-operatively to maintain form and function are increasing.
To learn more about aqua therapy for dogs or hydrotherapy in general, please do not hesitate to contact us.
There are three main hydrotherapy modalities:
- Pool
- Underwater Treadmill
- Spa
Pool
The swimming pool is the modality most associated with hydrotherapy, offering many benefits to the recovering patient as well as maintaining levels of fitness. Dogs often enjoy swimming and therefore this method can be used for conditioning and maintenance.
It is particularly beneficial for the following:
- Increasing flexion in joints
- Increasing musculature and promoting the use of arthritic and dysplastic joints
- Increased cardiovascular fitness and managing obesity.
Underwater Treadmill
The Underwater Treadmill (UWTM) can be used for maintenance but excels as a rehabilitative tool.
The UWTM works on two factors – the underlying principles of water and speed. So it is particular beneficial for the following:
- Invertebral disc disease
- Post surgical conditions ie: hip surgery, cruciate ligament repair
- Sporting dog injuries
- Neurological conditions
- Maintenance of mobility in older dogs
- Management of joint conditions ie: hip or elbow dysplasia, ostepchdrosis
- Fitness or weight loss
Hot Spa
The hot spa is maintained at 10 degrees C higher than the pool or UWTM at approximately 38 degrees C. This temperature is too hot to exercise in, and can produce beneficial results with the patient simply standing (if ambulatory) or lying (if recumbent). It is particularly beneficial for the following:
- To perform physiotherapy, stretching and range-of-motion exercises
- A warm-up prior to exercise such as treadmill work on the Westcoast Hydrotherapy Underwater Treadmill
- A cool-down after a therapeutic session
If you are interested in one of the hydrotherapy options, or you would like to learn more about what we offer in the way of aqua therapy for dogs then please get in touch.
Some of the conditions treated with hydrotherapy- Orthopaedic
- Neurological
- Soft tissue injuries
- Degenerative and medical conditions
- Conditions related to age – developmental or geriatric
- Long term disability
- Osteoarthritis
- Hyperextension injuries
- Fractures
- Luxations and sub luxations
- Spinal injuries including recovery after surgery
- Neurological and proprioceptive deficits
- Spondylitis
- Spondylosis
- Orthopaedic
- Neurological
- Soft tissue injuries
- Degenerative and medical conditions
- Conditions related to age – developmental or geriatric
- Long term disability
- Osteoarthritis
- Hyperextension injuries
- Fractures
- Luxations and sub luxations
- Spinal injuries including recovery after surgery
- Neurological and proprioceptive deficits
- Spondylitis
- Spondylosis
Benefits of Hydrotherapy
Benefits of hydrotherapy and aqua therapy are vast encompassing:
- Pain relief and improved function/ROM
- Decreased pain perception
- Muscle tension and/or muscle spasm
- Reduction of oedema
- Decreased inflammation
- Possible feeling of well being due to release of endorphins
- Non or partial weight bearing exercise
- Non weight bearing environment in hydrotherapy pool
- Controlled weight bearing in underwater treadmill
- Potentially earlier return to normal function
- Support for weakened or spinal injury dogs
- Improved muscle mass and function
- Research and development: Our dedicated R&D team ensures that we are always at the forefront of design, with animal well being a primary consideration.
- Bespoke services: We acknowledge personal choice and space requirements. Including, visiting your site, liaising with your architect/builder to advise on the best possible solution.
- Return on investment. The proven success rates of this added value service will not only attract new business, but will ensure client retention.
- Flexible and adaptable: With leasing and finance options available, we can suit all customer-bases and budgets.
- Customer Service: All of Westcoast Hydrotherapy’s innovative hydrotherapy solutions are backed by the promise of expert customer care and include:
- A marketing pack with free advice on boosting your business income
- After sales telephone service
- Service Plans
- National and International Servicing and support
Hot Spa