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What Is Hydrotherapy? |
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Research
shows that swimming (hydrotherapy) can be of real
benefit to dogs with a variety of conditions.
The word hydrotherapy is derived from the Greek
words hydro (water) and therapeia (healing). It
is a form of treatment where dogs will swim, often
against underwater jets to increase resistance,
wearing a buoyancy aid.
The benefit of hydrotherapy in rehabilitation
has long been recognised. The non weight- bearing
exercise of damaged or repairing limbs and supporting
tissue helps speed their recovery. Muscle wastage
can occur very quickly if a painful limb is not
being used properly. This can hinder recovery
after surgery as the limb has to repair itself
as well as correct muscle, tendon, ligament and
soft tissue immobility. |
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| Today,
more and more veterinary surgeons and dog owners
are aware of the advantages of hydrotherapy before
and after surgery to speed a full recovery. |
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A Fun Way To Treat Many Conditions |
Most
dogs love water and swimming and our state-of-the-art
hydrotherapy pool is a safe, comfortable and carefully
controlled environment which encourages low impact,
non weight-bearing exercise. Following surgery,
dogs can swim as soon as the stitches are removed
and wounds are healed. the warmth and natural
water pressure of our pool is comforting and an
excellent way to reduce inflammation and regain
mobility without putting unnecessary stress on
joints.
We have a hoist as well as a ramp so any size
of dog can enter the water safely. |
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Hydrotherapy
Treatment Can Help With |
Pre
and post operative conditioning which can reduce
muscle wastage and accelerate recovery after
surgery.
Relief of pain
association when using a particular movement
or limb, for example in animals suffering from
arthritis. Swimming can give an increased
range of motion and a possible reduction in
the need for painkilling medication.
Also very important to build muscle to support
those damaged joints.
Hip dysplasia, by giving
regular gentle exercise. Young dogs can exercise
safely and have fun without the risk of damage
to the hips.
Spinal injuries,
cruciate ligaments injuries, fractures and neurological
damage.
General mobility
and co-ordination.
Relief of pain,
swelling and stiffness following injury or surgery.
Weight loss in
conjunction with diet.
Promotion of relaxation
and a greater mental well-being. |
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What to Expect |
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Your
initial session will last for approximately an hour.
this allows your dog to become familiar with the pool
area and to feel comfortable and enjoy being with us.
A detailed case history will be taken and your dog will
be assessed to enable us to tailor an individual therapy
plan to suit their ability. Each dog is showered before
entering the pool and fitted with a buoyancy aid.
Your dog may only swim for a few minutes as hydrotherapy
is physically and mentally demanding initially. the
life jacket is worn until dogs are confident and swimming
well thus enabling just a harness to be worn as a minimum
safety requirement. We will introduce the underwater
jets when your dog is adequately fit and requiring additional
resistance in the water.
Our aim is to make their experience as enjoyable as
possible and to allow a trusting bond to develop. this
will enable your dog to benefit from the best exercise
regime possible and see their treatment as a positive
experience.
Please do not feed your dog for at least 4 hours prior
to swimming.
We have a dryer available if required. please
bring a towel or dog rug for your journey home. |
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