01/10/2025
Pool vs Underwater Treadmill🐾
We often get asked by our clients what is the difference between the pool and treadmill?
Both offer significant benefits, but they serve slightly different purposes depending on your dog’s individual needs. It is very important to have the option of both so we can accommodate every dog’s needs.
Pool Hydrotherapy
What it involves:
During a pool session, your dog swims in a controlled, heated hydrotherapy pool under the guidance and support of a trained therapist. This form of exercise is non weight bearing, making it suitable for dogs who require gentle activity.
Key benefits:
-Builds overall muscle strength, mass and endurance
-Improves cardiovascular fitness
-Enhances joint flexibility and range of motion
-Aids weight management and supports healthy body condition
Patients who would benefit from the pool:
-Arthritic dogs especially multi limb arthritis
-Older dogs needing gentle, low impact exercise
-Overweight dogs who require safe conditioning
-Dogs needing fitness and conditioning programmes especially sporting dogs
Underwater Treadmill Therapy
What it involves:
In underwater treadmill sessions, your dog walks on a submerged treadmill with the water level and speed adjusted to their individual requirements. The therapist can aide the dog with different supports and sometimes even moving the limbs. The buoyancy reduces weight-bearing on joints this is effected by the height of the water, the higher the water level the less weight on joints. The resistance helps strengthen muscles especially core and improve mobility in a controlled environment.
Key benefits:
-Facilitates controlled, progressive rehabilitation after injury or surgery
-Encourages correct gait patterns and joint movement
-Improves balance, coordination, and proprioception
-Targets specific muscle groups for strengthening
Patients who would benefit from UWTM:
-Post-operative rehabilitation (e.g. cruciate ligament repair, orthopaedic and neuro surgeries)
-Neurological conditions requiring gait re-education
-Dogs with mobility or balance challenges
-Targeted strengthening and conditioning programmes
It is important to note that trained therapists should be in the water with your dog to make the session as beneficial and safe as possible.
Our treatments are tailored to your dog’s specific condition. Following a thorough assessment, we will create a treatment plan that best supports their recovery and treatment goals.
📞 01327640675
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📧 admin@fpatc.co.uk
