Hydrotherapy can aid and benefit many long term conditions, and speed up the recovery time in injuries and post surgical treatments. In some cases conventional medication can be reduced. Here are some definitions of common joint disorders...

Arthritis
Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease causing pain and stiffness as a result of wear and tear to the joint.

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the disease of the joints leading to inflammation and gradual loss of the cartilage. This can be a debilitating disease that can result in severe pain and lameness. The elbow joint is most commonly affected and is seen mostly in the older dog.

Hip Dysplasia & Elbow Dysplasia
Dysplasia is characterised by the malformation or distorted appearance of the joint. The joint does not fit together properly and causes instability and often lameness, sometimes leading to osteoarthritis.

Cruciate Ligament Injuries
This kind of injury is often caused by a trauma to the knee joint. If the animal twists the knee, the cruciate ligament can tear or rupture. This injury can be repaired with surgery and hydrotherapy is a very effective way of rehabilitating the joint.

OCD - Osteochondritis Dessicans
This is a disease that is often seen in young dogs. It is the failure of cartilage development and involves a fragment of the surface of the joint breaking away and leaving the joint uneven and poorly fitting. This results in pain, swelling and lameness.

Obesity
Obesity or being overweight can cause animals to become short of breath and exercise intolerant. It can also lead to more serious problems such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and a whole host of joint ailments. Carrying around the excess weight puts great stress onto all body structures and can make joints stiff and sore. Hydrotherapy in this case promotes weight loss and increases fitness, stamina and flexibility.

CDRM - Chronic Degenerative Rediculo-Myleopathy
CDRM is a neurological disorder causing progressive wasting of the hind limbs. It is mainly seen in German Shepherds and the hind limbs become weak and eventually the dog becomes paralysed. Hydrotherapy can help to build muscle mass to support the structures and improve strength and fitness, giving a quality of life for as long as possible. Sadly this condition cannot be cured.

Post operative therapy
Hydrotherapy can facilitate a quicker recovery following soft tissue or orthopaedic surgery. Gentle exercise relieves pressure from the operation site and promotes reduction of inflammation and swelling, and increases range of movement.

Hydrotherapy can also be used for  many other conditions such as :