Exercising in an underwater treadmill uses the therapeutic properties of water to improve range of motion, strengthen muscles and boost endurance while reducing the risk of injury. Hydrotherapy can aid in the rehabilitation of soft tissue injuries, postoperative fracture care, neurological impairments, osteoarthritis, muscle weakness, geriatric care, weight issues, and postoperative amputation. For the elderly and athletic pups alike, the ability to exercise despite ailments or enhance performance is a real game-changer.
There are several benefits of exercising in the underwater treadmill:
- The buoyancy of the water allows the dogs to exercise and condition their body with less stress on their joints - and less pain - than they would experience by walking on land
- The resistance of the water increases the workload on the muscles, including the heart, so they need to work for much less time than the equivalent workout on land
- The water is relatively warm which can relax joints and ease pain - like sitting in a hot tub could do for us - facilitating a better range of motion and increasing blood flow to speed up recovery
- The pressure of the water surrounding the patient's body can provide proprioceptive input - the knowledge of where the body is in space - to the brain, which is essential for stabilizing body posture and coordinating body movement
The speed of the treadmill and the height of the water will be adjusted to each patient's specific needs. At first, the water therapy may be slow as the pet may tire easily. With regular therapy and exercise, the water levels may be modified and the speed increased. The blend of low-intensity exercise, water resistance and comfort seems to be just the right recipe for recovery and vitality.
Assessment by a veterinarian is vital to ensure the appropriateness and safety of underwater treadmill therapy for each individual dog. If you would like to know if underwater treadmill therapy could be right for your pet, please call us at (724)898-2300.
