Professional Canine Hydrotherapy in Tonbridge
What is hydrotherapy and how does it work?
Hydrotherapy is a complementary therapy using water to help reduce joint pain, inflammation, improve gait, improve muscle strength and improve overall mobility. It is effective due to the how the qualities of water react with the body. Some of these are listed below.
Hydrostatic pressure
Hydrostatic pressure refers to the pressure of the water volume which increases with depth. This causes resistance when a dog is walking through the water helping to improve muscle mass and educate gait. It will also help to reduce swelling and improve circulation and removal of waste products from the muscles.
Bouyancy
The deeper the water, the more buoyancy. This reduces the amount of weight bearing load that is being put through the joints. Reducing weight bearing pressure can encourage an improved range of movement in the water compared to on land. This can improve healing time and reduce the impact of scar tissue and muscle wastage.
Your therapist will decide on the appropriate level of water and how much weight to relieve depending on factors such as lameness and changes in gait.
Temperature
Canine hydrotherapy is conducted in warm water between 28-32 degrees Celsius. This helps to improve blood circulation and flow to the muscles to improve recovery and reduce risk of injury.
Underwater Treadmill
Hydrophysio
At Woods Hydrotherapy I use a Hydrophysio underwater treadmill.
Using an underwater treadmill allows your dog to be gradually introduced to the water. The depth of water can be altered depending on the condition being treated and current mobility. Speed of the belt can vary to try and produce the most natural gait for the individual. The combination of water depth and speed is crucial to optimise range of movement.
Training in gait analysis, as well as advanced underwater treadmill techniques allows me to be able to maximise your dogs progress by analysing their movement throughout their sessions. The treadmill is also designed to include the therapist so movement can be guided as well as assisted through the session if needed, and encouraged to use joints in the correct planes of movement.
The aim is to always improve comfort and mobility during the session.
The water within the treadmill is heated between 28-32 degrees to help relax the muscles as well as improve circulation.
The water is treated with safe and monitored levels of chlorine to reduce any risk of cross contamination. These are at safe levels for both humans and canines and are tested multiple times per day.
Sessions and Prices
