At Theravet Hertfordshire, we provide expert hydrotherapy services to support pets in their recovery, strength building, and overall mobility. Using both deep water pool therapy and underwater treadmill therapy, we create tailored rehabilitation plans for each pet’s unique needs.
Hydrotherapy involves controlled exercise in warm water, reducing joint stress while promoting movement. The buoyancy of water supports the body, allowing pets to exercise with less pain and strain. It’s ideal for:
✔ Post-surgical and injury rehabilitation
✔ Arthritis and joint condition management
✔ Muscle strengthening and endurance
✔ Weight management and fitness conditioning
✔ Neurological condition support
Our deep-water pool therapy is perfect for patients to benefit from a non-weight bearing environment, for minimal joint strain during a rehabilitation period. The treatment techniques used by our hydrotherapists are dependent on a patient’s rehab needs, but are all comprehensively utilised to improve quality of life, decrease pain and increase strength. Controlled swimming and platform-based exercises work to develop core posture and muscle building, leading to improvements seen in patient mobility and capability during daily activity, helping to slow down condition or age-related progression.
Treatment techniques are designed to target:
Building muscle tone and cardiovascular fitness
Improve flexibility and range of motion
Relieve joint pain and stiffness
Aid in post-injury recovery and reconditioning
Provide an enjoyable, safe, therapeutic workout
Core strength, balance and proprioception
The underwater treadmill offers a safe, structured environment for animals to exercise in temperature-controlled water, at an adjustable depth and speed. These fundamentals are clinically reasoned by the therapist, based upon a patient’s presentation and treatment goals.
Hydrotherapy in our under-water treadmill provides assisted buoyancy, decreasing but not removing limb loading. This is beneficial for the body to achieve a controlled loading response to healing, whilst promoting muscular activation to improve strength in surrounding structures and offer stability to joints.
Our therapists are present within the water chamber for the duration of the session. This enables gentle guidance and correction throughout the treatment which complements the effects of water-based resistance, incline and decline options and static work including:
Weight Shifting
Cavaletti Poles
Step Work
Passive Range of Motion
Soft tissue Massage
Movement shaping and Rhythmical Alignment
Theraband use
Digit pads and wobble plate work
All the above works to provide:
Gentle resistance for muscle strengthening
Increased range of motion with reduced pain
Improved coordination and balance
Support for neurological conditions
Weight-bearing exercise without joint strain
Non-weight-bearing exercise reduces joint strain
Boosts recovery, strength, and fitness
Safe, enjoyable rehabilitation method
Customised sessions tailored to your pet’s needs
Each session is carefully tailored to an animal’s condition and abilities. Our trained therapists create a calm, controlled environment, ensuring patients are comfortable while maximising the benefits of hydrotherapy.
Our team are here to offer support, compassion and care for your pets journey. If your dog or cat needs rehabilitation support, fitness or conditioning please contact us for further information or appointments.