The hydrotherapy treadmill offers a valuable avenue for early rehabilitation following surgery, particularly benefiting post-operative patients. It proves advantageous for Brachycephalic pets and those with heart issues or complex medical conditions. Additionally, it provides an ideal environment for water-phobic pets, as every step can be carefully staged and adjusted to their comfort level while ensuring their paws remain firmly on solid ground.
Furthermore, the water treadmill plays a pivotal role in managing movement and preventing the overextension of joints. Overextending joints can create tension in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, a phenomenon often observed in pool environments where dogs may push their physical limits due to excitement or anxiety, leading to inflammation and micro-tears in soft tissues.
The underwater treadmill grants us precise control over water height, buoyancy, and stability, enabling us to tailor the therapy to each patient’s specific needs. The hydrostatic pressure generated promotes circulation and accelerates the healing process.
With the pet’s feet grounded on the underwater treadmill, we can facilitate greater extension and flexion in the joints. We have full control over the belt speed and utilise an isolation plate, providing comprehensive control over all aspects of movement. This control allows us to engage postural and stabilising muscles through a range of passive rhythmic exercises.
When our pets experience pain, they instinctively adapt their gait, forming new neural pathways for these altered movement patterns. Unfortunately, these adaptations can lead to compensatory issues and secondary pain. To counteract this, we focus on improving the proprioceptive system, as studies have shown that limb loading is crucial for enhancing locomotion through hydrotherapy. Even older arthritic patients can experience significant benefits from our underwater treadmill, as it allows us to reintroduce proper weight-bearing and reestablish correct gait patterns, ultimately enhancing their overall quality of life.
