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 offers hydrotherapy using our new extended-length Hydro/Physio underwater treadmill. We provide hydrotherapy treatments for a range of small animals, including rabbits, cats, and all breeds of dogs.

When used alongside veterinary treatment, hydrotherapy can significantly enhance pain management and support recovery following surgery, injury, or disease. The therapeutic properties of water allow for improved joint range of motion, increased muscle strength, and enhanced endurance, while minimising stress on joints and reducing the risk of further injury.

The underwater treadmill is particularly beneficial for the rehabilitation of soft tissue injuries, post-operative fracture care, neurological conditions, osteoarthritis, muscle weakness, geriatric patients, weight management, post-amputation recovery, and a wide range of other conditions.

The underwater treadmill is heated and maintained at 28°C. This warm water temperature encourages increased blood flow to the tissues and provides a therapeutic thermal effect, allowing muscles to relax. The warmth can help reduce pain and discomfort, improve connective tissue flexibility, and facilitate greater joint range of motion and deeper limb stretching.

The hydrostatic pressure of the water provides a gentle, massage-like effect, helping to reduce peripheral oedema, support circulation, lower heart rate and arterial pressure, and promote lymphatic drainage and metabolic activity.

Hydrotherapy offers a safe, controlled, low-impact form of exercise. The buoyancy of the water reduces load on joints and muscles, improves core stability, and supports movement while minimising pain. Reducing weight-bearing on bones and joints is essential for building endurance and strength without placing unnecessary stress on the body.

Following an initial consultation, your pet will receive a tailored hydrotherapy programme designed to meet their individual needs and rehabilitation goals.

CONDITIONS THAT BENEFIT FROM HYDROTHERAPY

Hydrotherapy can benefit pets of all ages and activity levels, from high-performance and sporting dogs working on strength, core stability, and posture, to animals recovering from surgery, injury, or disease. The underwater treadmill is particularly supportive for geriatric dogs with arthritic joints and can also aid in safe, effective weight management.

Benefits of hydrotherapy include:

Reduction of pain, swelling, and stiffness
Muscle strengthening and maintenance
Improved joint range of motion and flexibility
Enhanced circulation and cardiovascular fitness
Faster tissue healing and recovery
Improved gait, balance, and proprioception

Hydrotherapy is commonly used to support a wide range of conditions, including orthopaedic, neurological, post-operative, and degenerative disorders such as joint disease, soft tissue injuries, spinal conditions, obesity management, and post-surgical rehabilitation.

Hydrotherapy veterinary referral form