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By Animals - For Animals
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Tigger Investigates... Hydrotherapy

What is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy, or water therapy, is the use of water (hot, cold, steam, or ice) to relieve discomfort and promote physical well-being.

The word Hydrotherapy originates from Greece and translates into water - healing. Hydrotherapy has been used and proven for thousands of years all over the world. It was originally used for humans but over the years has been just as successful on horses, dogs and small animals. More and more vets are recognising the benefits of hydrotherapy and referring their patients to qualified hydrotherapists for treatment.

Chesterfield Hydrotherapy Referral Centre allows the dogs and small animals of Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire and South Sheffield to benefit from hydrotherapy treatment closer to home. They can also enjoy swimming for fun and fitness in the purpose built heated pool.

Hydrotherapy is a gentle zero or low impact method of allowing dogs and small animals to exercise in a safe, controlled environment under the guidance and supervision of a qualified hydrotherapist.

Each patient receives an individually designed hydrotherapy treatment programme specifically built around their needs, requirements and realistic outcomes given any conditions they may have or surgery they have undergone or are scheduled to undergo.

What are the benefits of Hydrotherapy?
The benefits which can be obtained from hydrotherapy treatments include:
Faster recovery from injuries, including fractures and soft tissue
- Pre-operative conditioning
- Post-operative recovery
- Muscle strengthening, maintenance and restoration
- Relief from pain, swelling and stiffness
- Relaxation of muscle spasms
- Increased cardiovascular fitness
- Improved mental wellbeing
- Relief of frustration and boredom

Canine and Small Animal Hydrotherapy is used to treat a variety of medical, orthopaedic and neurological conditions as well as being used to maintain general fitness and control weight. The following list shows some of the conditions which can benefit from hydrotherapy (this list is not exhaustive):
- Osteoarthritis
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Legg Calve Perthes Disease
- Luxating Patellar
- Spinal Injuries
- Cruciate Ligament Injuries
- Obesity
- Depression
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (degenerative type)
- Spondylosis
- Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy (CDRM)
- Fibrocatilaginous Embolism (FCE)

What to Expect From Treatment Sessions:
At each treatment session your pet will:
- receive a full health check to ensure that they are suitable for hydrotherapy on that day
- be showered to remove any dirt or debris from its coat which could enter the pool or treadmill
- be fitted with a lift jacket or harness to provide the hydrotherapist with control over your pet during the session and to provide your pet with additional buoyancy
- receive an individually designed treatment program designed to specifically address your pet's needs
- be monitored closely by the hydrotherapist to ensure it receives the best possible treatment on that day
- be showered and dried after the treatment session
- booked in for its next session, and advice provided on your pet's progress and the next course of action

How Long Does a Treatment Session Last?
Each patient will be allocated a 45 minutes session to allow time for the health check, showering and drying, the actual treatment itself and time for discussion and questions.
Treatment length will depend on many factors including:
- what the patient is being treatment for what general condition the patient is in
- how the patient behaves during the session
- if it is the patient's first treatment or not
- how the patient responded to its last treatment
- any changes that may have occurred since its last treatment
That said most patients will spend a maximum of 15 minutes swimming in the pool. This will be made up of 3 blocks of activity followed by a rest period between each one


Chesterfield Hydrotherapy Referral Centre Ltd
Foxwood Close, Foxwood Industrial Estate Chesterfield, Derbyshire S41 9RB
Tel: 01246 384513,
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.chesterfieldhydrotherapy.co.uk