Hydrotherapy: Guiding Your Pet Toward Pain-Free Movement

Just like people, our pets can struggle with stiff joints, sore muscles, and reduced mobility as they age—or while recovering from injury or surgery. One of the gentlest, most effective ways to help them stay active and comfortable is hydrotherapy: structured exercise in warm, buoyant water that relieves pressure on painful joints while strengthening muscles and cardiovascular health.

At PrimePet Rehabilitation, our hydrotherapy sessions—conducted in an underwater treadmill or dedicated swim lane—give senior dogs, cats, and other companion animals a low-impact path back to confidence and better quality of life. 

Why Hydrotherapy Works for Aging or Injured Pets

• Buoyancy reduces joint stress. Water supports up to 90% of body weight, allowing pets with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or post-operative pain to move without the jarring impact of land exercise.
  
• Natural resistance builds strength. Walking or swimming against water resistance tones muscles and improves range of motion faster than rest alone, yet without over-taxing delicate tissues.
  
• Warm water soothes and heals. Controlled temperature increases circulation, eases muscle spasms, and accelerates recovery from soft-tissue injuries.
  
• Whole-body wellness. Regular sessions can aid weight management, boost cardiovascular fitness, and provide mental stimulation that leaves pets relaxed and happy. 

Hydrotherapy Programs at PrimePet Rehabilitation

1. Comprehensive Evaluation
   • Posture and gait analysis
   • Joint range-of-motion testing
   • Medical-history review (surgical reports, X-rays, current medications)

2. Personalized Water Sessions
   • Underwater treadmill for controlled, weight-bearing walking or trotting
   • Free swimming for dogs that benefit from a fuller range of motion
   • Close monitoring of water level, temperature, speed, and session length to match each pet’s needs
     
3. Progress Tracking & Adjustments
   • Ongoing strength, flexibility, and pain-score assessments
   • Gradual increase in duration or intensity as mobility improves
   • Integration with complementary therapies—laser, massage, or at-home strength exercises—when appropriate (all offered in-clinic)

Help Your Pet Rediscover Joy in Motion

PrimePet’s hydrotherapy team includes licensed veterinarians and certified canine rehabilitation practitioners who understand species-specific anatomy and safe aquatic handling techniques. Every session is performed with your pet’s comfort, confidence, and long-term health as the top priorities.

Whether your pet is slowing down due to age, healing from surgery, or managing a chronic condition, hydrotherapy can be the key to a happier, more active life. Schedule an appointment with PrimePet Rehabilitation today to craft a custom water-therapy plan and watch your furry friend stride, swim, and splash their way back to comfortable movement.