Hydrotherapy & Physiotherapy
Dog hydrotherapy uses the natural elements of water, providing a low impact program of treatment specifically for pet’s muscles, joints and general wellbeing.
Using the natural elements of water, dog hydrotherapy provides a low impact environment that can radically help rehabilitate pets with joint or muscular conditions. It also contributes to their general wellbeing and quality of life.
Activity in warm water relieves pain and inflammation, builds muscle strength and tone without impact, increases joint support and strength and allows the body to return to a more natural movement pattern.
Physiotherapy and our hands-on approach in the water can also help post-surgery or after injury, to manage ongoing musculoskeletal or orthopaedic conditions, or as a maintenance programme to prevent tightness and tenderness affecting locomotion and performance.
At our Chiswick centre, we have a pool and water treadmill facilities. We can provide stand-alone or integrated hydrotherapy and physiotherapy treatment programs, developed specifically for your individual pet’s needs. If you'd like to find out more or book an initial consultation, please complete our short Therapy Questionnaire by clicking here.
In our hydrotherapy sessions with your dog a therapist will always be with your dog in the pool or water treadmill to ensure we deliver the treatment.
Underwater treadmill sessions are typically for neurological and post operative cases, with 2 staff working together we deliver the best care and treatment for your dog.
Conditions & Benefits
Many conditions benefit from treatment, but some of the most common are:
- Orthopaedic conditions (inc. dysplasia) Non-weight bearing activity can help improve joint range of motion, strengthen muscles to support joints and relieve pain, stiffness and inflammation
- Lameness Improved muscle patterning and recruitment, helping to improve gait patterns
- Degenerative conditions (inc. DJD) Slowing the progression of symptoms and improving quality of life
- Surgical recovery Allowing a quicker recovery to normal activities for your dog
- Obesity Weight loss through low impact cardio exercise, reducing joint stress
- Neurological conditions Sensory stimuli provided by physiotherapy and hydrotherapy can help the redevelopment of neurological pathways and limit loss of muscle tone and joint stiffness during inactivity.
In general, treatment can also help your pet with:
- Increased muscle mass & strength
- Decreased pain, pain perception and inflammation
- Relaxation of muscle tension and/or muscle spasm
- Reduction of swelling
