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Animal Care Center of Downers Grove

Water Therapy

Water therapy can decrease recovery time from surgery, enhance cardiovascular fitness, and improve joint pain through low impact exercise.

Overview

Water therapy, also known as hydrotherapy, utilizes an underwater treadmill. It provides an optimal rehabilitation setting by utilizing the warmth, buoyancy, and resistance of water. This form of therapy can decrease recovery time from surgery, enhance cardiovascular fitness, and improve joint pain through low impact exercise.

Why would my pet need water therapy?

Veterinary water therapy may be used for a number of reasons. It can simply be used to help keep a pet in shape during cold months, or used as a treatment option for post-surgery recovery. Water therapy uses include:

  • General exercise and fitness

  • Weight loss

  • Surgery recovery

  • Joint work for arthritis

When should I consider water therapy for my pet?

Water therapy has low impact on the joints and bones making it a great outlet for post-surgery or post-trauma patients, and pets with arthritic conditions to exercise, build endurance, and maintain muscle mass. Arthritic pets will have the ability to walk and move easier in an underwater treadmill, allowing for a better exercise than they would normally be able to achieve on the ground.

Overweight pets benefit from this type of exercise as they are able to work longer with less stress on their joints. Athletic pets who compete also benefit from this form of exercise as it is a safer and quicker way to build stamina and muscle mass. If any of these qualities describe your pet, water therapy may be the right choice.

How does water therapy work?

We use warm water in the underwater treadmill during therapy to help relax and stretch the muscles, and water jets to help stimulate circulation and further increase relaxation during a long exercise. To ensure progress and tailor the therapy to your pet’s needs, parameters need to carefully be adjusted per patient such as water depth, turbulence, speed, directions, and temperature. We will create a plan specifically for your cat, dog, or other animal and work with them to achieve their therapeutic goals. 

With advanced equipment and progressive methodology, we are committed to providing the best possible water therapy for your pet. Every test, decision, and treatment is customized to the specific needs of your pet so that they can manage their condition or recovery and live out their happy, healthy life.