Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a form of low-impact physiotherapy. In Greek, the word hydrotherapy means “water healing”. Its particular value comes from the effects of the warmth and pressure of the water, particularly the buoyancy it provides. This therapeutic approach leverages water’s properties to support and enhance physical rehabilitation and fitness.

Hydrotherapy can be beneficial in a variety of situations, including:

• General Fitness and Weight Loss: This is an excellent exercise for overweight pets, allowing them to burn calories and build muscle without the risk of injury from high-impact activities.
• Muscle, Tendon, or Ligament Strengthening and Restoration: Helps rebuild and maintain muscle mass and strength.
• Increase in the Range of Motion in Joints: Particularly useful for pets with arthritis or other joint conditions.
• Rehabilitation After an Injury, Trauma, or Surgery: Accelerates recovery by promoting blood circulation and reducing swelling.
• Relief of Pain, Swelling, or Stiffness: Beneficial for conditions like arthritis or degenerative joint disease.
• Just for Fun: Many pets enjoy the water, making hydrotherapy a fun and engaging activity. We usually refer to it as “fun swim” session.

Hydrotherapy works through several key mechanisms:

• The warmth of the Water: The encompassing warmth relaxes muscles by initiating the expansion of surface blood vessels and increasing skin temperature, which can decrease pain and muscle spasms.
• Hydrostatic Pressure: This pressure helps reduce swelling by causing body fluids to move away from affected areas, which is enhanced through exercise to boost circulation.
• Buoyancy: The buoyancy of water decreases the load on weight-bearing joints, reducing the impact associated with walking on land and providing assistance with balance. It helps to reduce pain and allows for more effortless movement and exercise. Buoyancy also helps move stiff joints into a further range of motion with minimal increase in pain.
• Surface Tension: The surface tension of water means that the resistance to working at the surface of the water is greater.
• Water Viscosity, Drag & Turbulence: Water provides more resistance than air as an object is dragged or moved through it. Such resistance has the potential to improve muscle strength & cardiovascular fitness.

Panacea Vets boasts a canine hydrotherapy pool measuring 3×12 meters, which is designed to provide a safe and controlled environment for therapeutic exercise. The alternating jet currents can be adjusted to suit the needs and capabilities of each pet, offering varying levels of resistance to create customized workout plans.

In addition, the pool is located in a beautifully designed area of our lush garden, creating a charming ambiance. Owners are encouraged to watch their dogs from inside the clinic, as dogs usually become distracted when their owner is present during the hydrotherapy session.

At Panacea Vets, we believe in a personalized approach to care. Our experienced veterinary team works closely with pet owners to develop tailored hydrotherapy programs that meet each pet’s unique needs. Whether your pet is recovering from surgery, dealing with a chronic condition, or needs to improve its fitness, we create a plan that maximizes the benefits of hydrotherapy.

We accept referrals for hydrotherapy from other clinics. To ensure the best care, we require a full medical report for our veterinarians to review before booking the session.

If other holistic services, such as acupuncture and magnetic field treatment, are desired, our holistic therapist must conduct a consultation.

Initial Assessment: We start with a comprehensive assessment of your pet’s health, mobility & musculature to create a customized treatment plan. We perform a trial session to understand your pet and its needs.

Gentle Introduction: Pets are gradually introduced to the water, ensuring they feel comfortable and secure. Balls and other toys are used, as well as floating aids when needed.

Supervised Exercise: During sessions, a trained hydrotherapist supervises and assists your pet, guiding it through exercises designed to achieve specific therapeutic goals. Some patients require two people in the pool.

Continuous Monitoring: We closely monitor your pet’s response to hydrotherapy, making adjustments as needed to ensure safety and effectiveness.

We have witnessed remarkable transformations through hydrotherapy at Panacea Vets. Pets with severe arthritis have regained their ability to walk comfortably, post-surgical patients have achieved quicker recoveries, and overweight pets have become more active and healthier. These success stories highlight the incredible impact of hydrotherapy on the lives of pets and their owners.