Underwater Treadmill Therapy in Rehabilitation
Dr. Cara McNamee
Underwater treadmill therapy is a type of rehabilitation that uses the properties of water to help dogs recover from injuries and illnesses. The buoyancy of water helps to reduce the weight that is placed on a dog's joints, which can make it easier for them to exercise and improve their range of motion while walking. The hydrostatic pressure of water also helps to increase blood flow, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Noodle walks in the underwater treadmill for hydrotherapy as a part of his conditioning plan.
Underwater treadmill therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions in dogs, including:
Arthritis
Hip dysplasia
Post-surgical rehabilitation
Neurological disorders
Obesity
Muscle weakness
Tendon or ligament injuries
Underwater treadmill therapy is a safe and effective way to help dogs recover from injuries and illnesses. It is a low-impact exercise that can be tailored to the individual needs of each dog. Underwater treadmill therapy can help dogs to improve their strength, range of motion, and overall fitness.
Here are some of the benefits of underwater treadmill therapy for dogs:
Reduces pain and inflammation
Improves range of motion
Increases muscle strength
Improves cardiovascular health
Helps to lose weight
Promotes relaxation
Reduces stress
Learn more about Hydrotherapy or Underwater Treadmill here!
One of our trained rehabilitation staff will get into the treadmill with pets that are nervous or unsure to help them feel more comfortable. Even dogs and cats that typically don’t like water or swimming can do very well in the controlled environment of the underwater treadmill. To learn more about hydrotherapy and the other services we offer check out our services page!
If you are considering underwater treadmill therapy for your dog, be sure to talk to your veterinarian to make sure it is the right treatment for your dog's individual needs.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about underwater treadmill therapy for dogs:
The water temperature should be kept between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
The water depth can be adjusted to allow the dog to walk or swim comfortably.
The speed of the treadmill can be adjusted to the dog's individual needs.
The duration of each session should be gradually increased over time.
Underwater treadmill therapy should be supervised by a qualified veterinarian or certified rehabilitation therapist.
The water is treated to avoid contamination and routinely refilled and assessed daily.
Honey Bea gets hydrotherapy in the underwater treadmill as a part of her therapy plan for IVDD. Learn more about Honey Bea and her journey here!
Underwater treadmill therapy can be a great way to help your dog recover from injuries and illnesses. It is a safe and effective form of rehabilitation that can help your dog to improve their quality of life. However, some conditions may not be amenable to using the underwater treadmill, including
Heart disease
Skin conditions
Urinary tract infections
We here at RVM pride ourselves on creating an individualized treatment plan for every pet, and underwater treadmill therapy plays an important role in getting our patients moving better and improving their quality of life. Click Here to book your pet’s hydrotherapy appointment!