Underwater Treadmill Therapy

An underwater treadmill, also known as hydrotherapy, is a specialized device used in veterinary rehabilitation that allows dogs, cats and other companion pets to exercise while walking or running on a moving belt submerged in water. The water's buoyancy reduces the impact on joints, provides resistance for muscle strengthening, and promotes low-impact cardiovascular exercise.

Hydrotherapy or underwater treadmill therapy offers several benefits to animals. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints, allowing for pain-free movement. The resistance of water helps build muscle strength, improves balance and coordination, and promotes cardiovascular fitness.

Hydrotherapy can also improve joint range of motion, decrease swelling, improve circulation, and accelerate healing and recovery.

An underwater treadmill consists of a treadmill-like belt enclosed within a tank that can be filled with water. The pet enters the treadmill with their therapist and warmed water rises from the floor to the desired level. Once the dog or cat is comfortable, the treadmill belt is started and the pet walks or runs on the treadmill while being partially submerged in water. A variety of different adjustments can be made based on the patient's condition, such as the speed, incline, and the jets- which can provide greater resistance.

Yes! Even cats do well in the underwater treadmill and can reap the same benefits as dogs.

Hydrotherapy can benefit a wide range of conditions in animals, including but not limited to:

• orthopedic injuries

• soft tissue injuries (iliopsoas sprain/strain, shoulder injuries)

• post-surgical recovery from knee (TPLO/TTA/luxating patella) or hip (FHO, total hip replacement) surgeries

• arthritis

• hip dysplasia

• elbow dysplasia

• neurological disorders including IVDD, GOLPP and DM

• muscle weakness

• obesity / aid in weight loss

• chronic pain

• general fitness

• sports conditioning purposes

Yes, hydrotherapy is generally considered safe for pets when performed under the guidance of a qualified veterinary professional. The water's buoyancy and controlled environment minimize the risk of injury and provide a safe space for animals to exercise. However, it's important to have a thorough evaluation of your pet's health and any specific conditions before starting hydrotherapy.

Yes, hydrotherapy can be highly beneficial for dogs and cats with arthritis. The warm water helps soothe joint pain, reduces inflammation, and increases joint mobility. The gentle exercise in water also helps strengthen supporting muscles, which can alleviate stress on arthritic joints and improve overall mobility and quality of life.

The duration of a hydrotherapy session can vary depending on the animal's condition, fitness level, and therapy goals. Generally, a session can last anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. The frequency and duration of sessions will be determined by the veterinarian or rehab therapist based on the individual needs of the animal.

Hydrotherapy plays a crucial role in post-surgical recovery for animals. It helps reduce swelling and inflammation, improves circulation to promote tissue healing, prevents muscle atrophy, and provides a controlled environment for gentle exercise. Hydrotherapy can help pets regain strength, range of motion, and function after orthopedic procedures or spinal surgeries such as:

• Knee surgeries: Dogs that have had TPLO or TTA for cruciate ligament repair or luxating patella corrective surgery can benefit from hydrotherapy / underwater treadmill

• Orthopedic surgeries: Hip or elbow dysplasia surgery, fracture repair, or joint stabilization surgeries can benefit from hydrotherapy.

• Back surgeries: Pets undergoing spinal surgeries, including intervertebral disc surgeries (IVDD) or spinal fusion, can benefit from hydrotherapy.

• Neurological surgeries: Pets undergoing surgeries for neurological conditions like spinal cord decompression or brain surgeries can benefit from hydrotherapy. It aids in muscle re-education, balance improvement, and overall functional recovery.

• Soft tissue surgeries: Hydrotherapy can benefit animals recovering from soft tissue surgeries such as abdominal surgeries, hernia repairs, or reconstructive procedures. It helps in reducing post-surgical inflammation, promoting tissue healing, and regaining strength and mobility.

• Amputation: Pets that have undergone limb amputation can benefit from hydrotherapy to help them adjust to their new gait, build strength in remaining limbs, and maintain overall fitness and mobility.

Yes, hydrotherapy can be an effective component of a weight loss program for dogs and cats!

The underwater treadmill can be an effective component of a weight loss program for pets in several ways:

• Low-impact exercise: Hydrotherapy provides a low-impact environment where dogs and cats can exercise without putting excessive stress on their joints. The buoyancy of water reduces the weight-bearing load, making it easier for overweight or obese pets to move and exercise. This allows them to engage in physical activity that may be challenging on land, helping burn calories and promote weight loss.

• Increased calorie expenditure: The resistance of water during hydrotherapy sessions requires animals to exert more effort to move, leading to increased calorie expenditure. The resistance of water engages the muscles more effectively than exercise on land, resulting in a higher energy expenditure during the same duration of exercise.

• Muscle strengthening: The underwater treadmill helps build muscle strength as pets move against the resistance of water. Increased muscle mass improves metabolism and the body's ability to burn calories, aiding in weight loss. Stronger muscles also support the joints, promoting overall mobility and comfort during exercise.

• Improved cardiovascular fitness: The underwater treadmill provides cardiovascular exercise that can elevate the heart rate and improve cardiovascular fitness. This helps burn calories and fat, contributing to weight loss. Additionally, improved cardiovascular fitness enhances overall health and well-being.

• Joint support: Excess weight puts strain on the joints, exacerbating conditions like arthritis. Hydrotherapy reduces the load on the joints due to the buoyancy of water, making it easier and more comfortable for overweight or obese pets to exercise. This supports joint health and can encourage increased physical activity, further aiding in weight loss.