Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is a form of physiotherapy that uses the properties of water to rehabilitate and improve an animal’s function in a heated (28-32 degree) and sanitised pool or underwater treadmill.
Dogs that are suffering from a medical condition or have had surgery benefit considerably from Hydrotherapy. All our treatments require veterinary consent, and as we pride ourselves on a multi-modal approach to rehabilitation, we are in regular contact with your referring vet with updates and progress reports.
- We have a large hydrotherapy pool which the animal to exercise in a controlled, non- weight bearing environment which relieves pressure on joints, reducing pain and encouraging movement. This is suitable for forelimb issues and those dogs that are confident around water. The pool is NOT suitable for any dog with a spinal issue
- The underwater treadmill is really useful for rehabilitation and fitness as the water height can be adjusted to precisely control the amount of weight bearing as the animal strengthens or recovers. This is suitable for dogs that have had surgery, have hip dysplasia, or any spinal condition. Its also useful for fitness dogs that prefer a faster pace as we can adjust the speed to improve cardio fitness.
- The Hot Spa is heated to 40 degrees to soothe and relax muscles, increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. Its great to use after a hydrotherapy session, and has proven to be beneficial for complete patient relaxation!
It is difficult to move quickly within water, so the water has a protective quality reducing the risk of injury. This same quality means that the dog has to work hard to move forward due to the resistance when swimming and in turn this helps to increase muscle strength and bulk. Within water animals are also subject to hydrostatic pressure and this can help to reduce swelling and therefore pain especially in the lower limbs.
BENEFITS:
- Increased cardiovascular fitness
- Pain relief
- Reduction of swelling
- Reduction of stiffness
- Increased mental stimulation
- Muscle strength
- Range of movement
- Joint mobilisation
- Improved gait pattern
- Prevention of secondary complications
- Improved quality of life
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a vital part of any surgery, in fact it is just as important as the surgery itself! Not only is it important for post surgical recovery, but is really beneficial for pre-existing conditions such as arthritis, developmental disease, and also neurological conditions. All treatments require veterinary consent, and are performed by a highly experienced physiotherapist. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in:
- Maintaining mobility, proprioception, range of motion, posture and correct gait function
- Maintaining muscle mass and strength, stimulation of nerves
- Prevention of injury that may occur due to pre-existing conditions and compensation
- Preventing contracture of soft tissues, including muscles, tendons and ligaments
- Maintaining general psychological well-being
- To assist in pain management
Learn More
Contact us for physiotherapy services with our two physiotherpists Emily and Emma. Home visits available if your pet gets stressed with travelling or is recovering from surgery and cant be moved.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation(EMS)
EMS may be used to reduce muscle atrophy by stimulating motor fibres. Low to medium levels of electrical current are passed through the body aiding muscle function, reducing pain signals and reducing muscle atrophy. It is the administration of an electrical current to depolarize the motor nerve and produce skeletal muscle contraction. Electrotherapy at cellular level causes nerve cell excitation and protein synthesis and tissue level it causes muscle contraction helping to strengthen weak muscles without input from the dog, it facilitates a muscle pumping action, this can result in improved joint mobility, circulation and lymphatic drainage.
3b Laser Therapy
Photobiomodulation (PMB) is also known as LLLT low level laser therapy Low Level Laser Therapy works by stimulation of the body’s natural healing processes, helping to restore normal cellular function and optimise repair. It can help with the management of pain and inflammation of arthritic joints by reducing the sensory pain signals to the brain and stimulating the release of endorphins. It can help with increased recovery time of wounds and recent onset injuries to muscle, skin, ligament or tendon. It can be used on surgical wounds and fracture repairs. Research has shown encouraging effects to nerve and soft tissue repair. 3b Laser can also be used on dogs that will not tolerate acupuncture as it is a non-invasive treatment with shorter treatment times.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)
Pulsed electromagnetic therapy works by influencing cell behaviour causing electrical changes around and within the cell. Blood supply is improved increasing oxygen pressure which activates and regenerates cells. Cartilage quality can be improved by improving calcium transport which increases the absorption of calcium in bones.
Myofacial Release
Fascia is a connective tissue situated under the skin that surrounds every structure in the body. These individual fibres can bind together causing restriction. Myofascial release is a safe and effective way to release the restriction which if left untreated can affect mobility and cause pain.
Stance Analyser
The Stance Analyser quickly evaluates the way a patient is standing and shifting weight to identify if there is a lameness issue and where to look for it. The Stance Analyser will be an integral part of every patient visit in our clinic including wellness exams, limping evaluations, and treatment plan re-checks. Collecting a standing weight bearing assessment removes subjectivity and gives a simple report that makes it easy to discuss the status of the patient with their owner. Identifying lameness before a pet begins to show signs, is essential to prescribe pro-active, conservative treatment plans. An essential part of a wellness program – these objective measurements track the history of a patient’s stance and alert you to abnormalities. When a change is detected we can use this data to support recommendations for additional diagnostics with the veterinary surgeon.
Objective measurements of lameness are also important to track during a prescribed treatment plan.