HYDROTHERAPY

Hurn Forest Canine Rehabilitation are able to offer a hydrotherapy service based at our clinic in Christchurch Dorset. All Hydrotherapy treatment must be by veterinary referral from your vet surgeon. Please find a referral form at the bottom of the page.

Carlie is fully insured and registered with IRVAP and ICH the Institute of Canine Hydrotherapy.

HOW WILL HYDROTHERAPY HELP MY DOG?

Hurn Forest Canine Rehabilitation limited is able to provide hydrotherapy treatment with our new extended length Hydro/Physio Underwater Treadmill. We can provide hydrotherapy treatment to all small animals from rabbits, cats and all breeds of dogs. Hydrotherapy in conjunction with veterinary treatment can significantly improve the quality and rate of managing pain and healing following surgery, injury and disease.

Hydrotherapy uses the therapeutic properties of water to improve range of motion, strengthen muscles, and boost endurance, while reducing the risk of injury. The Underwater treadmill assists in the rehabilitation of soft tissue injuries, postoperative fracture care, neurological impairments, osteoarthritis, muscle weakness, geriatric care, weight control, postoperative amputation and many more.

The Underwater treadmill is heated and kept at 28c. The water temperature encourages blood flow to the tissues as well as providing a thermal effect allowing muscle to relax. The thermal effect of the water can reduce pain and discomfort, making connective tissue flexible, facilitating improved range of motion and deeper stretching of the limbs. The hydrostatic pressure of the water squeezes on the tissues creating a mini massage. This Reduces peripheral oedema, assists circulation, reduces heart rate and arterial pressure. Increases the metabolic rate and lymphatic drainage. Hydrotherapy is a safe, controlled, low impact form of exercise. The buoyancy of the water reduces the load on joints and muscle, improves core stability, improves and decreases pain. Reducing the weight put on the bones and joints is vital to increasing a pet’s endurance and strength without adding excess stress. On initial consultation your pet will receive a tailored hydrotherapy program to suit their individual needs.

CONDITIONS THAT BENEFIT FROM HYDROTHERAPY

All pets can benefit from hydrotherapy. From fit performance and sporting dogs who are conditioning their core and posture to pets recovering from surgery, injury or disease. The Underwater treadmill is a great support for geriatric dogs with arthritic joints and helps to control weight.

Some benefits are:

• Relief of pain, swelling & stiffness

• Muscle strengthening and maintenance.

• Alleviating muscle spasm.

• Increased range of motion in joints

• Improved circulation

• Cardiovascular fitness (heart & lungs)

• Increased tissue healing

• Increased speed of recovery

• Gait modification

• Increased proprioception

Conditions treated with Hydrotherapy:

Hip dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia

DJD primary and secondary to developmental conditions

OCD

Patella Luxation

Osteoarthritis

Tendinitis

Ligament strain

Tendinopathies,

Muscle strains/sprains

Obesity

(Weight loss in conjunction with diet)

Increased core strength

Spondylosis

Total Hip Replacement

Femoral Head and Neck Osteotomy

Arthroscopy

Cranial Cruciate Rupture- TPLO/TTA/Lateral Suture

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Spinal Stenosis

Intervertebral Disc Protrusion/Degenerative Disc Disease

Fibro-Cartilaginous Embolism

Spinal Injury/Trauma/Shock

Disco spondylitis

Neuromuscular Disease

Peripheral Neuropathies

Hydrotherapy veterinary referral form