WHAT IS HYDROTHERAPY

Hydrotherapy is used in the treatment of orthopedic conditions, osteoarthritis, neurological conditions, muscle, ligament and other soft tissue injuries. It can also help with general recuperation and fitness.

Suitably monitored course of hydrotherapy acts by encouraging a full range of joint motion in reduced weight bearing conditions, therefore improving muscle tone and promoting tissue restoration, without commanding excessive stress on damaged tissues.

Hydrotherapy helps to enhance general fitness, cardiovascular stamina, and muscle tone and is also helpful in aiding recovery from injury or surgery and improves fitness, especially in the management of obesity.

Hydrotherapy is also considered to be a natural anti-inflammatory through its ability to reduce tissue swelling.

BENEFITS OF HYDROTHERAPY

Hydrotherapy combined with veterinary treatment can considerably increase the condition rate of healing following surgery or traumatic injury. After surgery the careful use of hydrotherapy can help with rehabilitation and increase the chance of a triumphant return to full fitness.

Hydrotherapy has particular effects on body tissues and helps-

Muscle intensification and upkeep.

Enhanced circulation

Relief of pain, swelling & stiffness

Increased tissue recovery

Increased range of activity in joints

Alleviating muscle spasm.

Cardiovascular fitness (heart & lungs)

Increased speed of recuperation.



SAFE EXERCISE WITHOUT STRESSES

Hydrotherapy is an excellent form of exercise because most of the muscles normally used in movement are involved - without the stresses caused by motion on hard ground. On land, each footfall creates a shock wave, which travels up the limb and is absorbed by bones, tendons and joints. While these stresses are necessary to maintain healthy strong bone, if severe or repetitive, these shock waves can actually damage or weaken the limb, particularly an arthritic joint or one recovering from an injury or surgery. Hydrotherapy allows the "working out" and strengthening of the muscles while avoiding this potentially damaging concussion. Also, because of the increased resistance to movement, the muscles have to work harder than they would do on land.

INCREASED RANGE OF MOVEMENT

A decreased range of motion can often be due to pain, swelling, or stiffness. The dog will have an increased range of movement (flexion and extension) when it is in the water due to reduced pain and swelling thereby allowing further range of movement generally.

INCREASED CIRCULATION OF BLOOD TO THE MUSCLES

Warm water increases the circulation of blood to the muscles, increasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients and flushing away waste products, leading to muscle relaxation and a reduction in pain and stiffness. Improved circulation reduces swelling around an injured area and enhances healing.

HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE

Hydrostatic pressure applied by water can assist in reducing swelling by forcing body fluid (oedema) away from affected areas. This is assisted by exercising the limb to enhance circulation.

BUOYANCY

Buoyancy also reduces the load on weight bearing joints, this helps to reduce pain and allows easier movement and exercise. The buoyancy of water helps stiff joints into a further range of movement with minimal additional pain. Buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure also help to support the body during exercise, this can aid the re-education of gait patterns in neurological conditions and reloading of a limb post surgery.

MUSCLE STRENGTHENING

Swimming tones most of the major muscle groups and improves the general overall fitness of the dog. Movement in water is more difficult due to the resistance of the water. Water based exercise uses 30% more oxygen than similar land based exercise. By encouraging pain free limb movement against the resistance of water, muscle bulk will increase and thus muscle wastage will be reversed.

LUNGS

Under water, the chest is under pressure from the force exerted by the water squeezing inwards. This means that every breath requires more effort - the muscles used, particularly in breathing in, have to work harder (try breathing while someone sits on your chest). As muscle strengthens with exercise, this improves the whole respiratory system.

HEART

The heart has to work harder in order to meet the increased demand for nutrients by all the muscles which are being worked. If all this sounds like hard work - it is - that's the idea! For most dogs a short swim is an extremely challenging workout. But the natural buoyancy of the water and the fact that sudden twists, stops and falls are impossible, makes hydrotherapy a safe and effective form of exercise.. It's also very enjoyable for most animals.



CONDITIONS THAT BENEFIT FROM HYDROTHERAPY

Most dogs will cope quite happily with hydrotherapy as a form of exercise. However it is essential to get advice from your Veterinary Surgeon before taking your animal for treatment. For the welfare and safety of your dog all CHA members will liaise with your Veterinary Surgeon prior to commencing therapy.

• Pre and post operative conditioning
• Osteorthritis – reduced pain and increased mobility
• Hip and elbow dysplasia – especially useful for young dogs who are restricted to lead exercise
• DM – degenerative myelopathy
• Spinal injuries
• Recovering from injuries – including fracture, soft tissue and neurological damage
• Cranial cruciate ligament injuries and post operative recovery
• Muscle strengthening maintenance and restoration
• Relief of pain, swelling and stiffness
• Relaxation of muscle spasms
• Cardiovascular fitness (heart and lungs)
• Obesity (weight loss in conjunction with diet)
• Mental well-being