Just like with humans, as pets get older, age-related ailments like arthritis can turn even simple activities like walking into a painful ordeal for them. In recent years, however, a branch of physiotherapy called Hydrotherapy is being used to help soothe and rehabilitate aging pets by harnessing the unique properties of water.
The Power of Water
At its core, hydrotherapy is about utilizing water’s physical properties for rehabilitation. We have already seen its effects in humans. Similar to us humans, for senior pets, especially those suffering from arthritic joints, spinal issues, nerve damage, and neurological issues, traditional exercise might not always be the best solution. Land-based activities can exacerbate joint pain and contribute to further degeneration. Water, however, with its buoyancy, offers a great alternative. In water, pets experience a near weightlessness and as they move through water, and do even simple actions like walking, they engage muscles more intensively than they would on land. This helps in building muscle strength and endurance without undue stress on joints, proving to be a lot more beneficial for pets with lameness and other issues that restrict mobility.
Types of Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy comes in two primary forms: open-range swimming in pools and controlled exercises in underwater treadmills (UWT). Each offers distinct benefits. Swimming pools allow pets to stretch and move freely, promoting stamina and full-body muscle engagement. However, when fatigued, pets might not utilize their full range of motion, potentially leading to uneven muscle development and strain. The UWT, on the other hand, offers a more controlled environment. It enables precise monitoring of a pet’s gait and targeted muscle development. Especially beneficial for senior pets, the treadmill’s controlled pace and resistance ensure comprehensive muscle engagement without overexertion. This method is particularly effective for pets recovering from neurological and orthopedic surgeries, aiding in their rehabilitation journey.
Customized Care
But now we get to the important question? How do you get your pets into hydrotherapy? The truth is that each pet’s journey is unique. A thorough initial assessment is crucial to determine the suitable intensity and duration of sessions, which is why hydrotherapy should be performed under the expertise of certified practitioners. A personalized approach ensures that the therapy aligns with the pet’s specific needs, avoiding the pitfalls of overexertion and potential injury.
For senior pets grappling with the age-related ailments, hydrotherapy is like a beacon of hope, offering a path to pain-relief and improved mobility. It can help them regain their strength and zest a lot more quickly than other traditional forms of therapy and can effectively improve quality of life in later years.