Small Animal Hydrotherapy

Water-based rehabilitation can significantly enhance healing times, functional movement and overall well-being.

Offering both a pool and underwater treadmill, our modern facilities allow the integration of hydrotherapy to aid your pet’s rehabilitation journey. The properties of water provide an abundance of health benefits when implemented safely with experienced and qualified professionals.

The Benefits of Hydrotherapy

Buoyancy

The upward force provided by water reduces the effects of gravity, allowing reduced weight bearing when submerged. This decreases concussive forces, helps to reduce pain during movement and facilitates flexibility.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Gentle pressure exerted by the water on all surfaces of the body when submerged. This helps to reduce swelling, facilitates circulation and provides sensory stimulation via mechanoreceptors within the body.

Temperature

Therapeutic bodies of water are typically maintained between 28-32°. This warmth is essential to aid relaxation, promote blood flow, prepare the body for exercise and promote a calm, stress-free environment.

Viscosity

Viscosity is responsible for the level of resistance experienced when moving through a liquid. Water provides gentle resistance, beneficial for improving strength and mobility whilst still protecting areas of injury and dysfunction.

Turbulence

The movement of water provides an element of gentle instability when your pet is walking or swimming. This aids in core strengthening and balance work in the early stages of rehab. As your pet becomes stronger, turbulence can be enhanced to achieve increased fitness and conditioning where appropriate.

Enrichment

Hydrotherapy can be used as a form of enrichment for your pet, providing an experience that stimulates the mind, body and senses! It's also a safe and effective way to build your pet's confidence in water.

Our Hydrotherapy Facilities

Underwater Treadmill

Our Physiotech XXL underwater treadmill is a compact, easily accessible modality which allows a controlled form of hydrotherapy for specific rehabilitation goals. The underwater treadmill allows us to adjust treatment parameters such as water height and speed. It also boasts a counter current and underwater massage function.

Our water is maintained to a high level. It is tested multiple times per day to ensure effective sanitation and optimum water balance, keeping your pet safe during their session. Hydrotherapy treatments will always be led by a fully qualified hydrotherapist.

Hydrotherapy Pool

Our facilities include a purpose built hydrotherapy pool heated to an optimum 29-30° at all times. The pool is fitted with purpose built ramp entry and exits along with resting platforms to suit any sized small animal! Our pool water is maintained to a high level, tested multiple times per day to ensure effective sanitation and optimum water balance, keeping your pet safe during their session. Hydrotherapy treatments will always be led by a fully qualified hydrotherapist.

Want know more?

Hydrotherapy can be hugely beneficial when integrated into your pet’s rehabilitation plan. Your therapist will be able to discuss whether hydrotherapy is appropriate for your pet’s condition and which modality would be suitable. For more information on specific cases, follow the link below and get in touch!