Under Water Treadmill (UWTM)
We have an under water treadmill at Top Dog Hydrotherapy. It is one of the largest in the surrounding areas. The treadmill provides a more controlled hydrotherapy environment versus the pool. It has all round viewing great for observations and to help nervous dogs not feel contained. It is great for hydrophobic patient as the patients feet will stay firmly on the ground. It has many benefits:
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The under water treadmill is extremely beneficial for rehabilitation after surgeries.
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This facilities also allows for a greater level of assistance then you can achieve in the pool as the hydrotherapist can assist the patients movement this ensures we are building the correct muscles for gait patterning and not training a compensatory gait
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It can provide a partial weight bearing environment which is great for recovery back on to land based exercises.
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Neural re-education
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It further allows us to target different muscles by using different water levels which is great for flexion and extension in the limbs.
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It is brilliant for proprioceptive gait training in neurological dogs as swimming spinal dogs is not always appropriate as can increase the pressure on there spines.
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The under water treadmill is great for hind limb issues as most dogs will naturally tuck up their hindlimbs when swimming.
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Gait conditioning / Speed - Use different speeds to get better length of strides. There may also be potential for interval training in the UWTM great for fitness and working dogs.
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Better for hydrophobic patients (as well as more nervous patients)
We also have an inground pool on site which includes steps into the pool for easy access and an inside ramp to allow the patients to rest on between swim intervals.
The pool provides a non weight bearing environment great for patients with discomfort that find it hard to stand on land. The pool allows us to achieve maximum range of movement as we can achieve better stride length in some cases as there is no retraction of movement in the under water treadmill. It further helps to increase core stability as well as improve weight loss faster than the UWTM. The pool, also helps improve trunk strength.
Different swimming techniques can be done which include (figures of 8, clockwise and anti clockwise laps, resistance swimming and hold outs) to target different muscles and range of movements. It helps strengthen and improve extension of limbs in particular. We also have jets which we use to increase the resistance in the water, to help build muscle mass faster, increase endurance and cardiovascular fitness. A hydrotherapist will always be in with your dog making it a fun and controlled environment.
Patients not suitable for the pool include: ​
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Spinal Conditions (IVDD, FCE, DM, Lumbosacral Diseases) as this can increase pressure on the spines
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Some deep chested breeds and brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Great Danes, Boxers) however every dog is different so assessment will be made​
Pool
