Hydrotherapy, which translates literally as ‘healing with water’, is exercise whilst the body is supported in water.
For some animals, particularly those who have recently had an operation or have a medical condition such as arthritis, swimming gently, or even just floating, in a warm hydrotherapy pool can help to relieve inflammation, increase joint mobility, and reduce pain. Hydrotherapy helps to restore muscle tone and rebuild lost muscle bulk.
Patients who have had spinal surgery can make use of a hydrotherapy pool to help return strength to legs which have been paralysed by disc disease. The water’s buoyancy allows them to perform movements which would be impossible on land, helping them to recover lost muscle tone and joint flexibility.
Overweight dogs who are struggling to lose excess weight, can also benefit from swimming as it allows these dogs to exercise in a safer environment. The water provides extra support for their joints which can be under more pressure, swimming provides a ‘non or low weight bearing’ form of exercise.
Healthy dogs can swim to get fitter, to increase muscle strength and to improve joint mobility.
Very fit dogs, such as working dogs or dogs who compete at agility, can benefit from hydrotherapy to increase muscle strength, improve joint mobility and overall cardiovascular fitness.
Some dogs simply enjoy swimming so love a ‘fun swim’ hydrotherapy session as part of their regular exercise regime.
Medical Reasons for Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy can be used to treat conditions such as:
Joint disease:
- Osteoarthritis
- Spondylosis
- OCD (Osteochondrosis Dissecans) and Patella Luxation (‘wobbly kneecaps’)
- Hip or Elbow Dysplasia
- Cruciate Ligament injuries
Neurological conditions:
- Intervertebral Disc disease (IVDD)
- Chronic Radiculomyelopathy (CDRM)
Recovery from surgical operations:
- Cruciate Ligament Surgery (Lateral Fabello Tibial Suture/ TTA/TPLO)
- Surgery on Intervertebral Discs (Hemilaminectomy and Ventral Slot procedures)
- Femoral Head and Neck Excision
- Hip Replacement
- Repair of fractures (broken bones)
Any Muscular or Soft Tissue Injury
Muscle or Weight Loss after a period of illness
But, of course, hydrotherapy is fun! So healthy dogs who like a paddle will love a hydrotherapy session as part of their regular exercise.
