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Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is exercise therapy in water. The warmth, buoyancy and resistance of the water provides impact free exercise for patients with joint pain, reduced flexibility, muscle weakness and excess weight. At Kinetic Rehab Animal Spa, we have an underwater treadmill with ramps to safely get patients into and out of the water. 

Here are the primary physiological and rehabilitative benefits for dogs:

  • Low-Impact Buoyancy: Water supports a significant portion of the dog’s body weight. If the water is at hip level, the dog only bears about 38% of its actual weight. This reduces the concussive stress on joints, allowing dogs with severe arthritis or those recovering from orthopedic surgeries (like ACL/TPLO repairs) to walk without pain.

  • Muscle Strengthening via Resistance: Water is far denser than air. Pushing through the water provides gentle, consistent resistance with every step. This helps rebuild atrophied muscles much faster than regular walking, without risking joint damage.

  • Pain Relief: The water used in these treadmills is typically kept warm (around 85–90°F / 29–32°C). This warmth increases blood circulation, soothes aching joints, and relaxes tight muscles, which makes the therapy session much more comfortable for the dog.

  • Improved Range of Motion: Dogs naturally exaggerate their movements when walking through water to clear the surface. This instinct encourages them to bend and extend their knees, hips, and elbows further than they would on land, preventing stiff joints from locking up.

  • Neurological Retraining: For dogs suffering from spinal conditions like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) or neurological deficits, the water holds them upright so they don’t fall. The treadmill forces the repetition of a normal walking gait, helping the nervous system “re-map” and relearn motor functions safely.

  • Safe Weight Loss: Overweight dogs often struggle to exercise on land because the extra weight causes severe joint pain, creating a vicious cycle. The underwater treadmill allows them to burn calories vigorously and safely, breaking that cycle.