Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is a very useful tool for rehabilitation, pain management, maintenance of functional ability and fitness. The water levels within the aquatic treadmill can be altered according to the dogs condition and needs, but multiple hands-on techniques from the therapist within the treadmill can also be applied where appropriate.
At HCRH our aquatic treadmill is an appropriate size for dogs of all shapes and sizes and allows viewing/filming from all sides. The treadmill can offer a more controlled environment compared to a pool which allows for the early introduction of rehabilitation for post-surgical and spinal patients.
Hydrotherapy offers a wide range of benefits and can be used to:
- Build muscle strength, tone and bulk
- Help re-educate gait – this is particularly useful for spinal patients
- Improve joint range of movement
- Reduce oedema (swelling)
- Decrease pain
- Relax muscle spasm or tension
- Can help to slow down the progression of degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis and degenerative myelopathy
- Improve overall mobility
- Improve cardiovascular fitness and stamina
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is the promotion of mobility, functional ability, quality of life and movement potential through examination, evaluation and physical intervention by a physiotherapist.
The treatments used can involve: advice and education, massage, manipulation, therapeutic exercise, hot and cold therapy and electrotherapies such as laser. Physiotherapy is used in conjunction with veterinary practise to enhance the animals well being, speed up recovery times, assist with pain relief and prevention of injury.
What area of injury and disease can be helped by physiotherapy?
- Soft tissue injuries, muscle, ligamentous, tendon and capsule trauma (spinal and peripheral) can benefit from certain physical modalities if approached correctly.
- Spinal conditions pre and post operatively
- Peripheral traumas including fractures post operatively.
- Orthopaedic issues
- Respiratory issues
- Neurological issues
- Movement dysfunction problems, leading from a muscle imbalance.
- Loss of form with athletes.
- Working within the multiple disciplinary team it can also help to isolate and identify behavioural problems that can then be dealt with by the appropriate team member.
