Hydrotherapy

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy has been used to treat humans since the 19th Century. Nowadays it’s used for both humans and dogs to improve everything from muscle strength to blood flow. It’s a form of therapy that takes place in a warm pool or on an underwater treadmill. A trained hydrotherapist will take your dog through a series of exercises aimed at improving their quality of life whether they’re suffering from arthritis, recovering from surgery or just need a little extra support.

What pets can benefit from hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is most commonly used for dogs but it offers benefits for lots of other pets too. It’s sometimes used for horses to recover from injuries, particularly leg or joint problems. Although it’s less common, cats and rabbits can also benefit, provided they don’t mind being in water! Very rarely, it’s used for small animals like guinea pigs under careful supervision.

What are the benefits of hydrotherapy?

Exercising in water under close supervision offers your dog a range of benefits to help improve their overall wellbeing:

• Low impact – The buoyancy and warmth of the water supports your dog’s weight and allows them to exercise without stress on the joints
• Injury recovery – Helps dogs to recover from surgery or injuries by promoting gentle, controlled movements to improve mobility and strength
• Improved muscle strength – Exercise in water can build muscle strength without unduly stressing the joints or causing soft tissue injuries
• Supports weight loss – It’s an effective way for overweight dogs to burn calories without putting extra pressure on their joints
• Enhanced cardiovascular fitness – Regular sessions can improve heart and lung function
• Pain relief – Water buoyancy reduces loads on sore joints and muscles, particularly good for older dogs suffering from arthritis
• Improved flexibility – Can help increase your dog’s range of motion
• Better circulation – Can aid blood flow which promotes healing and reduces inflammation
• Stress free environment – Many dogs love being in a hydrotherapy pool, making it a pleasant experience for them

What conditions can it help with?

Hydrotherapy can help soothe or improve conditions such as:

• Arthritis
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Post-surgery recovery (e.g., cruciate ligament repair)
• Obesity
• Muscle weakness or atrophy
• Spinal injuries or conditions (e.g., intervertebral disc disease)
• Joint pain or stiffness
• Neurological conditions
• Amputations

Hydrotherapy treatment options

There are several hydrotherapy options available with Medivet and your vet will discuss with you the best treatment plan for your pet.

Hydrotherapy pool sessions

Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes. Your trainer will gently introduce your dog to the water. They may wear an additional flotation or support device. The trainer will take them through a warm-up then perform targeted exercises for your dog’s specific needs such as swimming against gentle water resistance.

Hydrotherapy underwater treadmill sessions

A treadmill is fitted in a tank of water to create a low-impact method of exercise. Your dog will get in the tank and the water filled to a level that supports their body, reducing weight on their joints. Your dog will walk or trot on the treadmill depending on the pace while the hydrotherapist monitors them and makes adjustments as necessary.

Combination therapy

This is a mix of the hydrotherapy pool and the use of the treadmill used as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation or fitness programme for your dog. The therapist will tailor the treatment to your dog and it will typically involve a combination of free swimming and more structured weight bearing movement on the treadmill.

What is the hydrotherapy process?

You’ll need a referral from your vet but once that’s in place it’s time for your dog to get started.

How many sessions are needed?

There are no set number of sessions and it really depends on your dog’s unique circumstances. Some pets may need just a few treatments to feel better, others may need a bit longer. Your vet or hydrotherapist will be able to tell what’s best.

What happens during a hydrotherapy session?

Your dog will be gently led to the tank or pool and introduced to the water to make sure they feel safe and secure. Your therapist may take them through some gentle warm-up exercises to get them used to the tank and the movements.

Next, they’ll perform targeted exercises to help with your dog’s specific needs to strengthen muscles, improve joint mobility or aid recovery. This may be free swimming, walking on the treadmill or tailored movements. The therapist will monitor your dog throughout the session to make sure they’re comfortable and adjust treatment as necessary.

Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes. Once they’re finished your dog might do some slower, cooldown movements before being helped from the pool and dried off.

Ongoing monitoring

As well as checking on them continuously throughout the session your hydrotherapist will keep a note of your dog’s condition and adjust their training programme as required for future visits.

Is hydrotherapy covered by insurance?

It depends on your insurance policy, so you’ll need to check with your insurer. Many do cover hydrotherapy under their rehabilitative treatments, especially if it’s deemed medically necessary, however coverage can vary widely.