What is Hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy utilizes water’s natural buoyancy and resistance in a carefully controlled environment to create an ideal setting for both physical rehabilitation and safe conditioning. At Wheatland Animal Hospital, our underwater treadmill allows pets to exercise with reduced stress on their joints while still building strength, endurance, and mobility.

 

The buoyancy of the water decreases the amount of weight placed on painful or healing limbs, making movement more comfortable and controlled. At the same time, the water provides natural resistance, helping to rebuild muscle mass, improve balance, and enhance cardiovascular fitness. Water depth, treadmill speed, and session duration are fully customized to each patient’s needs and progress.

 

Conditions That May Benefit from Underwater Treadmill Therapy

• Post-operative recovery (TPLO, CCL repair, fracture repair, patella surgery)

• Arthritis and degenerative joint disease

• Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia

• Neurological conditions (IVDD, spinal injury, paresis)

• Muscle atrophy or weakness

• Obesity and weight management

• Senior mobility decline

• Athletic conditioning and injury prevention

 

For post-surgical patients, hydrotherapy helps restore proper gait patterns, prevent compensatory injuries, and safely rebuild strength. For arthritic or senior pets, it can reduce stiffness, improve joint range of motion, and maintain independence longer.

 

What Pet Parents Should Know

Each hydrotherapy session is performed under the supervision of trained rehabilitation professionals. Before starting therapy, pets receive a comprehensive rehabilitation evaluation to ensure hydrotherapy is appropriate and to develop a personalized treatment plan.

 

Many pets quickly become comfortable with the underwater treadmill, and the warm water environment can be soothing for anxious or painful patients.

 

Hydrotherapy is not simply “exercise in water” - it is a targeted medical therapy designed to improve function, decrease pain, and enhance quality of life.