VRC provides hydrotherapy on our state-of-the-art underwater
treadmill, specifically made for dogs and is calibrated to independently
control buoyancy, resistance, speed and temperature.
This allows
us to create individual programs based on age, lifestyle, severity of
disease and many other factors. Hydrotherapy Programs are available
for:
* Athletic
conditioning
* Post-operative
rehabilitation
* Injury
prevention and therapy
* Arthritis
* Gait
retraining related to neurologic deficits and nerve damage
The underwater
treadmill allows us to begin rehabilitation sooner and more easily.
Early intervention decreases muscle atrophy and recovery time and provides
psychological benefits to your pet. |
"Romeo" in our underwater treadmill.
|
"Moe" is modeling
a life jacket that we put on some of the dogs before they enter the
treadmill for therapy. |
Some
Facts About Aquatic Therapy
Buoyancy - is determined by the amount of water in the treadmill. By increasing
the water level, the dog is de-weighted. This decompresses the bones
and joints and allows more exercise without increased pain. It is great
for activity soon after surgery, as well as for maintaining and enhancing
the flexibility and mobility of our arthritic patients.
Resistance - Our treadmill belt moves in the water, which allows normal walking
posture. The water level can be changed easily while the dog is on the
treadmill. Water level correlates with buoyancy, as mentioned above.
and also with resistance. Water is sixty times denser than air. More
water equals more resistance and thus more strengthening. It would be
very difficult for you and I to walk in thigh high water. This is what
we can create in our treadmill for your dog.
Speed - The treadmill belt speed adjusts from 0.3 to 5.0 MPH. Initially,
your dog can walk very slowly, and then progress to jogging and running.
While 5 mph does not seem very fast for a jogger, for a dog in thigh
high water, it's very strenuous. |
Temperature
- We typically keep the water around 88 degrees. For an arthritic dog
or a dog with a stiffness, we can raise the temperature for comfort
and to increase flexibility. One
of the major benefits for our recumbent patients, who are unable to
stand and support their weight unassisted, is the psychological benefit
of hydrotherapy. We notice a tremendous change in their attitude, which
translates into a happier dog and faster recovery.
The underwater
treadmill is particularly helpful for dogs that have had surgery and
are hesitant to use their leg or walk with a limp. Dogs with stiffness
and decreased range of motion tolerate stretching much better during
and after warm hydrotherapy.
For our
patients with nerve deficits and paralysis, we use life jackets and
'hands-on' support during hydrotherapy. The tank and underwater treadmill
have revolutionized our ability to rehabilitate dogs with spinal injuries.
If you have
question about whether hydrotherapy is appropriate for your pet, contact
Dr. Hall at 425-741-8042 or click here to submit your question. |
Veterinary physical rehabilitation
is the application of physical therapy techniques to animals. Here
in Washington, only licensed veterinarians and supervised technicians
are allowed to provide these services. Licensing issues restrict the
use of the term physical therapy to human physical therapists. Hence,
the term veterinary physical rehabilitation. Our practice is limited
to physical rehabilitation and aquatic therapy. You will be referred
to your regular veterinarian for general care.
This
website and its contents are owned by Beverly Hall and VRC unless
otherwise noted, NOTHING from this site may be used without the written
permission of Beverly Hall or VRC. Beverly Hall and VRC have taken
great measures to ensure the accuracy of the information contained
on this site; however, neither can be held responsible for errors.
Articles, links, photos and text contained on this website are intended
to be informational only and do not constitute endorsements, training
guidance, examples or instructions.
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16418 7th Place West, Suite A
