What is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy refers to exercise within water, using the waters properties to rehabilitate and improve muscular function in a heated, sanitised and controlled environment.
Qualifications
You do not have to be a client of West Bar Veterinary Hospital to use our service, however all clients can only be seen if they are referred by their veterinary surgeon. We offer a free of charge taster session to see how your canine adapts to hydrotherapy and for the owners to see for themselves what hydrotherapy really entails.
Aquatic Treadmill
Here at North Banbury we have a hydrophysio treadmill. The patient enters the treadmill via a ramp with the door being securely closed behind them. Warm water (28C) begins to fill from underneath the treadmill, until the correct level is achieved. The belt at the bottom of the treadmill then begins to move, encouraging the patient to walk forwards. The qualified hydrotherapist will choose both the water level and speed on an individual basis. The patient will then walk for a various sets of time, with frequent rest periods in-between. Each patient will have a tailored plan for treatment, being adjusted accordingly and gradually increasing over time.
The benefits of hydrotherapy
- Increase muscle mass and strength, leading to increased joint stability
- Re-educate gait patterns
- Reduce pain, swelling and inflammation, due to hydrostatic pressure
- Increase circulation, aided by the warmth of the water
- Increase cardiovascular fitness
- Improve quality of life for elderly or exercise restricted individuals, helping with mental wellbeing and decreasing the chance of behavioural problems
- Accelerate tissue healing and recovery time
- Increase range of motion in joints
- Safe and effective – only partially weight bearing, so relieves stress on joints
- Large breed puppies can burn excess energy, whilst building muscle mass needed to support their fast growing bodies and protect their joints for future life.
Common conditions
This list is not exhaustive, with hydrotherapy being beneficial for the majority of canines, however the conditions noted below are commonly seen at the hydrotherapy centre, with studies showing great improvement due to this treatment.
- Hip/Elbow dysplasia
- Osteoarthritis
- Cranial cruciate ligament tear/rupture
- Spondylosis
- Obesity
- Pre-op condition and post-op rehabilitation
- For fun and building stamina/fitness
How to arrange a hydrotherapy session?
Please feel free to contact our team with any enquiries or for booking in a free taster session by calling us on 01295 262332.
