The Benefits of Canine Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy simply means “water healing” in Greek.
Water makes the body buoyant, so when submerged, the weight of the body is supported. This means the dog is not fighting gravity. Buoyancy therefore reduces stress on the joints and this creates a much safer environment for recovery after surgery. It is controlled exercise in water therefore limiting the risk for injury with less pain therefore building general fitness and muscle tone whilst aiding recovery. Hydrotherapy will also supply not only physical but mental stimulation for a patient post surgery. Hydrotherapy is a great for fitness and is used a lot for agility competitors, gundogs, racing greyhounds and other competition dogs.
What are the benefits:-
What conditions can Hydrotherapy benefit:-
Water makes the body buoyant, so when submerged, the weight of the body is supported. This means the dog is not fighting gravity. Buoyancy therefore reduces stress on the joints and this creates a much safer environment for recovery after surgery. It is controlled exercise in water therefore limiting the risk for injury with less pain therefore building general fitness and muscle tone whilst aiding recovery. Hydrotherapy will also supply not only physical but mental stimulation for a patient post surgery. Hydrotherapy is a great for fitness and is used a lot for agility competitors, gundogs, racing greyhounds and other competition dogs.
What are the benefits:-
- Swelling, pain and stiffness can be reduced
- Promotion of relaxation
- Increased joint mobilisation
- Cardiovascular fitness (heart and lungs)
- Muscle strengthening, maintenance & restoration
- Increase in range of motion of affected joints
- Increased circulation
What conditions can Hydrotherapy benefit:-
- Fractures
- Hip dysplasia/Elbow dysplasia
- The amputation of a limb
- Neurological disorders
- Arthritis due to old age
- Spinal injuries
- Pre-operative conditioning
- Cruciate repair
- OCD
- Hip replacement
- CDRM
- Nerve damage
- Muscle/Tendon and Ligament injuries
- Obesity