Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy uses the benefits of warm water (85°F-90°F) which helps muscles relax to decrease pain and muscle spasm. The hydrostatic pressure of the water reduces swelling by adding pressure to the body and thereby reducing edema in the limbs. Water resistance promotes maximum muscle use and minimum pain during exercise, plus it can intensify the workout because heart rate and oxygen consumption increases when working in water compared to land. The water also decreases concussion on joints and bones during exercise plus it helps the animal balance since they are only carrying 60-80% of their total weight.

The water height is regulated to accommodate different breeds and to adjust for stages of weight bearing for different patients. Hydrotherapy is used to treat muscle injury, tendon injury, ligament injury, arthritis, recovery from surgery, muscle weakness, weight loss, weight management, and aerobic conditioning.