Hydrotherapy

Treadmill hydrotherapy is a way of exercising patients in a controlled manner by using a low impact, heated, sanitised water environment.  Buoyancy of the water removes the impact that weight bearing exercise can cause on the affected joints  It also promotes muscle relaxation and improves circulation and healing.  The combination of the warmth and hydro-static pressure can relax muscles and reduces pain and swelling whilst helping to restore range of movement in their joints.

Hydrotherapy has specific therapeutic effects on body tissues.

• Relief of pain, swelling & stiffness
• Muscle strengthening and maintenance
• Alleviating muscle spasm
• Increased range of motion in joints
• Improved circulation
• Cardiovascular fitness (heart & lungs)
• Increased tissue healing
• Increased speed of recovery
• Gait modification
• Increased proprioception

Our hydro-therapist Nikki and orthopaedic vets are able to work closely together to provide the most effective hydrotherapy programme tailored specifically to your pet. We are happy to carry out hydro-therapy for pets not registered with our practice. Nikki will contact your vet for permission for hydrotherapy treatment. Your vet will need to confirm that your pet is fit and well enough for hydrotherapy and provide details of any relevant medical history.  Treatment will not commence without vet permission. A consent form can be downloaded from our website. 

Conditions that benefit from Hydrotherapy:

• Developmental Conditions
• Hip and Elbow dysplasia – especially useful for young dogs who are restricted to lead exercise
• OCD
• Patella Luxation
• Degenerative Conditions
• Osteoarthritis (DJD) - reduces pain and increases mobility
• Spondylosis
• Pre and Post Surgical cases
• Total Hip Replacement (THR)
• Femoral Head and Neck Excision (FHNE)
• Arthroscopy
• Cranial Cruciate Rupture- TPLO/TTA/Lateral Suture
• Patella Luxation
• Neurological Conditions
• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
• Spinal Stenosis
• Intervertebral Disc Protrusion/Degenerative Disc Disease
• Fibro-Cartilaginous Embolism (FCE)
• Cervical Vertebral Malformation
• Spinal Injury/Trauma/Shock
• Neuromuscular Disease
• Peripheral Neuropathies
• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Tendinitis
• Ligament strain
• Tendinopathies,
• Muscle strains/sprains
• Obesity - weight loss (in conjunction with diet!) & increased core strength

What to expect 

The initial assessment will last around one hour starting with an initial health check, gait assessment and limb measurements. Each pet is individually assessed and a specific plan formulated to suit their needs. Records of each session are kept and ongoing reports are made, and discussed with your vet as required. Follow up appointments usually 30 minutes.

Facilities ·

• Experienced Qualified Hydro-therapist since 2011
• *Level 3 Diploma Advanced hydrotherapy for small animals
• *Level 3 Diploma Advanced Underwater Treadmill therapy, techniques and treatments
• *Level 3 Certificate hydrotherapy small animals
• *Level 3 Certificate treadmill therapy
• *Level 3 Certificate disorders of the canine stifle joint (cruciate/patella disease and surgical procedures)
• *Level 3 Certificate water management
• Level 4 Canine Merisha massage
• Tudor Treadmill Neptune treadmill
• Shower facilities 
• Powerful air drying 
• Large light reception area with shop 

Tudor Treadmill Neptune treadmill. The glass sides allow us to assess each patient, monitor their joint movement, control their exercise and build up an effective rehabilitation programme. The water is heated to between 28-30 degrees which relieves pain, increases circulation, relaxes muscles and aids comfort. The water level is altered to target specific joint(s) and the speed varied to achieve the correct gait pattern for the patient. A strict water testing and treatment regime is followed three times a day. Chlorine is used to sanitise the water because it is the most effective method of ensuring the water is free from bacteria. Nikki is trained in water management.

To book or for more information 

call 01670 512275 or email - Nikki.wilson@vetcentremorpeth.co.uk