Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy
Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy
Meeting the rehabilitation needs of your pet
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy has long been recognised as beneficial for human conditioning and rehabilitation. The same benefits are available to dogs whether they are young, old, in competition, need rehabilitation after surgery or just need a relaxing form of exercise in an underwater treadmill system built just for dogs.
Water offers the natural properties of buoyancy and resistance. The underwater treadmill takes the stress off limbs and painful joints, allowing the dog to exercise normally. Swimming alone cannot achieve this effectively as dogs tend to swim with their legs tucked under their body and don’t extend their legs such as they do while walking. The water temperature is controlled and especially warmed to therapeutic levels to aid in managing arthritis and helping in building up fitness levels, whilst strengthening joints and muscles. Speed is also individualised in the treatment program.
Benefits of hydrotherapy for Dogs:
- Water buoyancy reduces gravity, diminishing concussive forces
- Allows early intervention and quicker recovery times for animals, especially after hip, knee and back surgeries
- Water provides resistance throughout the range of motion, enabling dogs with stiff joints to lengthen their stride and increase the benefits of exercise while minimising pain
- Warm water assists in pain reduction and increases blood flow that aids in nerve and muscle growth
- Older animals can exercise effectively in the dog treadmills and build up muscles and fitness levels
- Water height is regulated to accommodate different sized animals and adjust for weight bearing
Hayley completed 'An Introduction to Small Animal Physiotherapy' in 2009 taught by Michelle Monk, Lindsey Connell and Dr Phillip Moses at the Veterinary Specialist Services Centre on the Gold Coast.
Before commencing rehabilitation on our treadmill, Hayley will perform a thorough full body assessment on your dog. She will then recommend a personalised training regime, one based at home with specific exercises you can do and the other in our underwater treadmill. Hayley will monitor your dog’s progress over the ensuing weeks to ensure effective rehabilitation is occurring.
Please ring Dr Jana’s Veterinary Centre on 6040 9099 to make an appointment with Hayley.
Treadmill Therapists
Carrie-Anne Burt
Enrolled and Advanced Certificates in Veterinary Nursing.
Read more about Carrie-
Tara McCulloch
Veterinary Nurse. Read more about Tara>
Nadine Ballantine
Diploma of Veterinary Nursing and Diploma of Animal Technology. Read more about Nadine>
Using the facility
To commence with this program your dog needs to pass a health check by one of our vets or if being referred, by your own vet.
You can become involved with your pet’s therapy sessions. Our therapists are often in the tank with the dog during the first few sessions. As they become more familiar and comfortable with the therapy they are often able to wade by themselves with owners just holding a lead in front of them.
If you are interested and think your dog could benefit from this, please ring us and talk to one of our members of the rehabilitation team.
Hayley Morton
Physiotherapist
Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Physiotherapy.
Hayley studied at Melbourne University graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Anatomy and Physiology, and in 2002 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy. Her career has been in private practice with a special interest in dance injuries due to spending some time as an injured dancer.
Meet the rehabilitation team
Click the image for a large photo
Gopi is a seven year old Labrador recovering from cruciate ligament surgery. She is undergoing a 10 session programme of Hydro Physiotherapy at our Rehabilitation Centre.
