About Underwater Treadmill Hydrotherapy:
Underwater Treadmill Hydrotherapy can be described as a cutting edge state of the art intervention when it comes to evidence-based veterinary physical rehabilitation therapy. The objective of exercise therapy is to load and stimulate tissues safely, helping to aid the body's healing and strengthening processes while enhancing comfort and mobility. We prioritize safety by meeting patients' initial capabilities where they are, and then gradually progressing and building capacity over time. Underwater treadmill hydrotherapy can consolidate numerous benefits into one session:
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Buoyancy reduces gravity's load on joints, promoting safer and more confident movement through a greater range of motion.
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Warm water (typically around 88°F) can help relax unproductive muscle tension.
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Water resistance fosters muscle strength, growth, and maintenance.
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Hydrodynamics during limb movement encourages more efficient walking patterns, and can enhance gait comfort and efficiency.
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Gait training in the water can help provide corrections to movement patterns that were once corrupted by previous pain and injury.
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Improvements in gait comfort and efficiency made in the water can carry over to land walking.
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Specific exercise aligns with the goal of improving independent and comfortable walking for dogs.
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Active range of joints may be observed to improve within a single session.
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Joint motion can promote cartilage health by enhancing joint fluid quality and providing nutrients and lubrication for cartilage.
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Water pressure provides gentle compression and massage, which can aid lymphatic and venous return.
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Tactile sensations from water movement offer sensory feedback, helping to improve coordination and spatial awareness.
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​Tactile sensations from moving through the water can help to reduce pain perception.
Specific contraindications and or precautions for underwater treadmill hydrotherapy can include:​
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Surface infections like abscesses, folliculitis or pyoderma
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Acute musculoskeletal injuries or severe flare-ups of chronic painful conditions
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Open wounds, unstable bone fractures or unhealed surgical incisions
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Fever, urinary tract infections, or diarrhea
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Conditions involving severe cardiac or respiratory compromise
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Severe fear responses to water
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Underwater treadmill hydrotherapy is not indicated for every single case, but may be prescribed after patient evaluation. Despite these considerations, underwater treadmill hydrotherapy can offer significant benefits. At PetPRT, we are privileged to provide this therapy, witnessing its positive impact on most dogs treated with it after careful introduction.