Hydrotherapy

Swimming can be utilized by patients when UWT is not the most appropriate modality. Swimming can help strengthen & build patients’ fitness in a totally non-weight-bearing environment, which can be gentler on the joints. This modality benefits older or more compromised dogs who struggle to move through their full joint-ranges when weight bearing. Swimming OR a combination of swimming & UWT is recommended on a case-by-case basis & there are specific conditions required to set up a successful hydrotherapy protocol: Clients must have a large enough pool where the therapist can swim the patient in a familiar setting, it must be possible to heat the water (especially in winter) & there must be a step or ‘rest-area’ where the patient can have regular breaks. Patients must also wear a float coat when swimming (provided by APR at each session).