What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is a complementary therapy that has been used for hundreds of years in both humans and animals — it simply means “therapy in water”.

The underlying principles of hydrotherapy depend on the physical properties of water to aid in the strengthening and re-education of the dogs limbs.

• The buoyancy of water decreases the impact on weight-bearing areas of the body. This can reduce pain and allow a greater range of movement and ease stiff joints.
• The warmth of the water can increase flexibility, mobility and contractility of muscles by allowing them to relax. It also promotes circulation which aids healing.
• Hydrostatic forces of the water can help to reduce inflammation (swelling) of injured joints—therefore providing pain relief.
• Resistance caused by your dog moving in water increases muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness (like aqua aerobics!)