Valley Animal Rehabilitation Offers Water Therapy Rehab for Pets
Rehabilitation is used in veterinary medicine, just as it is in human healthcare, to help animals that have experienced an injury or disorder that affects their movement. Hydrotherapy uses the properties of water as a medium for improving physical function. At Valley Animal Rehabilitation in Clifton, NJ, we provide water therapy rehab for pets, to help them get back to normal movement.
Water Therapy for Animal Rehabilitation
The buoyancy of the water allows animals to exercise without the weight of gravity that can cause pain and damage to affected areas. Yet the weight of the water itself provides a kind of resistance that works muscles and tendons for a beneficial effect. The hydrostatic action of water exerts pressure in all directions, which can help reduce swelling and edema in tissues. Water therapy can also be adapted for individual animals, such as those who are fearful of water and those who take to water easily. For these reasons, hydrotherapy can often be the best therapy for animals that have orthopedic or related soft tissue problems.
Types of Water Therapy Rehab for Pets
Water can be used in a number of different ways to gently exercise muscles, ligaments, and tendons after an injury or surgery. An underwater treadmill provides both buoyancy and a bit of resistance to gradually increase strength in animals’ legs. Swimming in the water helps animals increase both strength and flexibility. The temperature of water can be adjusted to provide the best effects for healing and mobility. Cooler water can help decrease inflammation in tissues. Warm water can be helpful for animals with stiff, arthritic joints and can help improve nerve function.
Conditions Water Therapy Can Help
Hydrotherapy can be beneficial for older animals that have difficulty moving due to arthritis. Water therapy can also be used after orthopedic surgery for injuries or to correct congenital problems. It can help to encourage normal movement in animals with neurological disorders. It can help obesity and cardiovascular function in sedentary animals. It also helps to reduce pain and muscle spasms.
Choose Valley Animal Rehabilitation for Your Pet’s Rehab Therapy
Dr. Henderson and our team at Valley Animal Rehabilitation have the specialized veterinary training needed to provide care for our patients in Clifton, NJ, Montclair and other nearby communities. Our rehab for pets includes a wide range of modalities, including laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, underwater treadmill, massage, and others. Call Valley Animal Rehabilitation today at (973) 509-5225 for an appointment to learn about water therapy and other methods to help pets get back to full function.