Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy

Donna works closely with hydrotherapists within the region. Hydrotherapy uses water as a medium to support physiotherapy goals, including pain relief, rehabilitation, and functional recovery. The properties of water — including hydrostatic pressure, buoyancy, and resistance — create an ideal environment for controlled therapeutic movement without putting undue stress on joints or soft tissues.

Methods of Hydrotherapy

There are multiple ways water therapy can be delivered:

• Whirlpool or Spa Units: Used for circulation, relaxation, and localised treatment.
• Swimming Pools: Allow for full-body movement and cardiovascular conditioning.
• Underwater Treadmills: Enable precise gait re-education and graduated weight-bearing exercise.

A qualified physiotherapist or hydrotherapist selects the most suitable hydrotherapy method based on the condition and rehabilitation goals of each animal.

Combining Hydrotherapy with Physiotherapy

Water-based therapy offers unique advantages when integrated with hands-on physiotherapy:

• Provides pain relief through warm water immersion and muscle relaxation
• Facilitates joint mobilisation during active or passive aquatic exercises
• Allows exercise in partial weight-bearing conditions, reducing stress on healing tissues

Hydrotherapy can be introduced during both early and later stages of recovery, depending on the animal's diagnosis and tolerance. It is especially effective in neurological, post-surgical, or orthopaedic cases, where controlled movement is essential.