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Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a well-known healing method that uses properties of heated water (28-32°C) to rehabilitate animals, improve and restore their musculoskeletal functions and abilities.

In some cases regular hydrotherapy can be an effective alternative when orthopaedic/spinal surgery is not an option. Hydrotherapy is essential tool when it comes to safe exercise and engaging stimulation when animal is recovering from orthopaedic or neurological surgery.

It is suitable for dogs of any size, temperament and age. Evidence has shown that it is one of the most controlled and most effective rehabilitation methods for dogs and other animals with orthopaedic conditions, acute injuries, chronic osteoarthritis and identified lameness.

Health Benefits

  • Reduces pain and inflammation

  • Reduces lameness and discomfort caused by injury 

  • Alternative option to conditions often requiring surgeries e.g. hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, partial cruciate rupture

  • Improves weight distribution and reduces overloading and compensation – an injured leg will carry significantly less weight which leads to overloading of other limb, muscle tension, skin adhesion and discomfort

  • Improves gait pattern of the animal and increases range of movement of individual joint

  • Helps with swelling and discomfort

  • Increases muscle mass as well as muscle function and targets any spasms

  • Improves spatial awareness (proprioception) and helps re-educate gait pattern after muscle usage loss and weakness

  • Reduces stiffness of the joints, especially in elderly patients suffering with osteoarthritis

  • Great, stimulating workout not only for dogs with restricted exercise, but also for dogs in conditioning training 

  • Helps with weight loss, strength and stability of the animal

  • Promotes recovery from soft tissue injury (strain, tears), fractures and ruptured ligaments 

  • Helps with cases of limb paralysis

  • Can become an alternative to traditional medication

  • Helps with quality of life for dogs with elbow or hip dysplasia

  • Helps with dogs with neurological deficit or spinal condition (Spondylosis, IVDD, Spinal stenosis, CDRM)

  • Hydrotherapy is also a great way to target anxieties of the animal, thanks to the gentle approach with soothing hands. Animals can still be given the space and comfort

 

 Additional services:

  • Canine nutrition and nutrigenomics, joint supplement advice

  • Land based exercises at home

  • Canine myotherapy – deep tissue massage

  • Advice on canine enrichment and stimulation