More and more pet guardians are turning to alternative health treatments in combination with traditional veterinary medicine to improve and maintain their dog's optimal health.
Please click on the links to read about the services we offer: Hydrotherapy, Exercise, Massage and Laser.
Hydrotherapy is one such treatment that utilizes the properties of water - buoyancy, resistance and hydrostatic pressure. Buoyancy counteracts gravity, reducing pressure and strain on the joints, limbs and spine. The buoyant environment of water allows for pain free exercise and the freedom of movement. The dog is able to work through their full range of motion in the water, increasing flexibility and muscle mass to help carry over to land activities. Swimming works every muscle of the body including the heart. The added benefit of cardiovascular training through resistive current and longer swims improves endurance. Dogs of all ages, especially older dogs who cannot otherwise exercise as vigorously because of various health issues, find the water therapy just the right exercise. The uniform hydrostatic pressure across all the limbs helps to promote better circulation and blood flow to the entire body.
Dogs who show signs of advancing degenerative joint disease (DJD) in their hips, knees, shoulders and elbows can benefit from hydrotherapy. It helps to reduce pain and inflammation, build strength and endurance and increase mobility and function.
Recent advances in orthopedic surgery and aquatic therapy have offered dogs with Cruciate repairs (knee) including TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy), a chance to recover quicker and return to their former activities including agility, sports, ball playing and walks. Dogs with spinal surgery and spinal "strokes" have been shown to return to a better quality of life with the use of hydrotherapy as part of their recovery plan.
A proper rehab program should work closely with the referring veterinarian to develop a custom program tailored to your dog's special needs. Rehabilitation therapy may consist of hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercise, muscle strengthening, balance training, massage therapy and instruction in a home program. This allows the owner to actively participate in their dog's recovery and further strengthen the relationship with their companion.
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