Hydrotherapy is the use of exercise in water to treat ailments and aid rehabilitation. By harnessing the properties of water we are able to provide a reduced or non-weight bearing environment. This allows an exaggerated range of movement in all joints that is carried out without any strain or pressure, therefore reducing pain. Hydrotherapy increases muscle mass that is unobtainable with land based exercise due to the pain and discomfort it causes.
Hydrotherapy is great for a number of conditions such as:
- Arthritis
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Cruciate disease/repairs
- Patella luxation
- Spinal injuries
- Degenerative Myelopathy (DM/CDRM)
- Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD)
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
- Spondylosis
- Obesity
- Strokes
K-Laser is a beam of light that delivers specific wavelengths and frequencies of laser light that produce a therapeutic effect on the body. The K-Laser can increase circulation, decrease swelling, reduce pain and enhance tissue repair. The K-Laser is non-invasive and painless, and can treat a number of medical conditions including:
- Wound Healing
- Chronic Wounds
- Osteoarthritis
- Post-Surgery Rehab
- Pain Management
- Lameness & Tendon Conditions
- Nerve & Spinal Cord Problems
- Bone and Cartilage Repair
Pre Surgery
Hydrotherapy can be started as soon as your pet has been diagnosed with a medical condition. In some cases, hydrotherapy can prevent the need for surgery. The benefits of starting hydrotherapy pre surgery are:
- Safe exercise in a non or partially weight bearing environment without stress
- Familiarise your pet with the Hydrotherapy environment.
- Pain relief, reduced swelling or stiffness
- Gain muscle mass
- Aid weight loss
- Improve cardiovascular fitness
Post Surgery
Your dog can start hydrotherapy as early as two weeks post operatively. As long as the wound has healed, and your Vet has given the go ahead. Hydrotherapy is used post operatively to regain muscle mass to the affected area and increase strength and mobility.
Laser therapy can also help with the skin healing post surgery. For more information on how laser therapy can benefit your dog, please visit our Facilities page.
Hydrotherapy is also great for general fitness and is used by show dogs, working dogs, especially to train the young pups, and agility dogs to keep them at optimum fitness for competitions.
Veterinary Referral
All pets must have a veterinary referral, which we can arrange for you, before we start hydrotherapy.