Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is a complementary treatment that provides non-weight-bearing, full range-of-motion exercise using water.
We offer the service on a first-opinion and referral basis.
It all starts with a hydrotherapy consultation
Speak to your vet if you think your dog could benefit from hydrotherapy. We can arrange a consultation and if suitable, arrange their first session at our L’Islet hydrotherapy centre.
We are always happy to take referrals from other practices – we feel that this service should benefit not only our clients, but our wider community too.
Once you’ve booked your first session, our reception team will give you all the details, times and after-care instructions.
We are very keen for owners to be fully involved in each of the sessions.
Benefits of hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy has many potential benefits, including:
- Rehabilitation after surgery or injury, whether orthopaedic or neurological.
- To stimulate muscle and joint function with reduced pain in older pets.
- Weight control and cardiovascular improvement.
- Performance animal training.
The short-term benefits of hydrotherapy may include:
- Reduced pain.
- Reduction of swelling in limbs.
- Improved heart function.
- Increased sensory perception.
- Easing of muscle tension and spasm.
- Increased active range of motion through increased flexion and extension of the limbs.
For patients recovering from injury or surgery, the long-term benefits of hydrotherapy can include:
- Increased range of movement in joints.
- Increased muscle strength.
- Reduced pain and inflammation.
- An earlier return to normal function.
- Slower progression of some degenerative disease processes, with an improvement in the quality of life.
Our hydrotherapy facilities
Our modern, programmable hydrotherapy unit has a touchscreen and can record your pet’s sessions.
The hydrotherapist will design a program specific to your pet’s needs, with a large, glass-sided system accommodating every dog, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes.
The water is pre-warmed to 28-29°C and filtered to maximise comfort and hygiene and stimulate activity and blood flow.
The moving belt system also has variable speeds and a unique gradient facility. By varying the depth of water your pet can have traction, floatation (they get life-jackets!), or more often a combination of both.
Our hydrotherapy team
Our hydrotherapy unit has side platforms, allowing our hydrotherapists to usually be on the water treadmill with your dog.
This is vital for health and safety and allows them to be hands-on with the patient, providing support on joints if needed and correcting an incorrect gait.
Our dedicated treatment room also has a mirrored wall, allowing the hydrotherapist to watch and assess the gait of your pet and build a program best suited to your pet.
We want you involved, too! The glass sides of the unit allow your pet to interact with you.