Dog Underwater Treadmill

There are three important properties of water that make it an ideal environment for exercise:

1. Buoyancy – This is the upward thrust water exerts on a body that creates an apparent decrease in weight on the immersed body. The amount of body weight decrease is dependent on the water level. We are able to set the water level appropriate for each individual pet. Buoyancy allows weak muscles and painful joints to exercise without the stress of bearing the animal’s weight. This makes it safe and pain free for our weight loss patients. The perfect example is our older overweight dogs with arthritis. They have joint pain which prevents exercise, which increases weight gain. Underwater treadmill exercise allows the calorie-burning work with out joint stress and pain. The warm water actually makes the joints feel better.

Hydrostatic pressure – This is the slight pressure you feel when you first jump into water and submerge yourself. Because the pressure is constant, it may provide benefits when limbs or joints are swollen by making it easier for the body to reduce swelling. The constant pressure affects nerves in the skin as well acting to decrease pain perception.

Resistance – We’ve all walked through water at a shore or wading pool, and the extra effort it takes is the resistance. Water is thicker than air and takes more energy to move through. Exercising against resistance strengthens muscles and improves cardiovascular fitness, all while taking advantage of the buoyancy that spares stress to the joints. Because water is thicker, think viscosity, it helps to stabilize unstable joints. If the patient is prone to falling, he falls slower in water, allowing more time for self-correction, and increased confidence. Most patients will have a technician in the treadmill with them at all times!

Underwater Treadmill Benefits to the Patients

• Faster healing times
• Increased muscle mass and strength
• Increased muscle mass and strength
• Weight loss
• Increased range of motion
• Reduced pain, stiffness, and inflammation
• Increased cardiovascular fitness
• Improved quality of life
• Pre surgery strengthening

Remember that most pet insurance companies cover rehabilitation.