In general, pain impedes healing – if the body is in a constant state of pain, the healing process becomes compromised. Just as in human medicine, adequate pain management in animals is necessary to enhance healing. Georgia Veterinary Rehabilitation (GVR), a BluePearl Veterinary Partner in Marietta, GA successfully uses hydrotherapy for rehabilitation, recovery and training.
At GVR, managing a pet’s pain goes hand in hand with veterinary rehabilitation protocols. Reducing pain is often their first step toward increasing mobility and functionality. When animals are in the water, they are non-weight bearing and use their legs differently than when they walk. As a result, there is less pain and animals move with a greater range of motion.
GVR has a SwimEx 480 equipped with a custom ramp that allows for easy entry and exit. The pool features the unique SwimEx paddlewheel water current for superior resistance, positive treatment outcomes and faster recovery. While most resistance pools are powered by individual jets, SwimEx fiberglass pools feature state-of-the-art water currents that are extremely smooth and deep. Subsequently, the pool provides a more effective, consistent experience for animals.
This Q&A digs deeper into how GVR use their pool:
Q&A with GVR
Why invest in a pool for animal rehabilitation?
A resistance therapy pool is an important tool that complements the weight bearing water resistance of our underwater treadmill. Both are important tools for us but the pool allows us to do more on core strength, overall stamina and conditioning.
Although many veterinary rehabilitation facilities don’t have room for a large pool, the great thing about our SwimEx is that the pool takes up a small area but is extremely versatile.
What are the benefits of a heated pool?
We heat our pool to 90°F to 92°F to ensure the pet’s comfort. The warm temperature creates an effective environment for stretching and massage of physically compromised animals. It also warms the tissues to improve blood flow and improve healing. The warm temperature of the pool also makes it an effective environment for stretching and massage of physically compromised animals.
Why do you use hydrotherapy?
The buoyancy of water supports and lessens stress on the joints. It encourages freer movement and provides a safe environment for exercise. Using aquatic therapy allows the injured body part to actively “rest” while the animal maintains and builds fitness. In particular:
- Increases range of motion of joints
- Increases flexibility and strength of muscles, ligaments, and tendons
- Decreases Pain
- Promotes and supports healing
What conditions do you treat in the pool?
We recommend pool-based hydrotherapy for reasons such as:
- Arthritis
- Paralysis and other mobility issues
- Pre and post-surgical rehabilitation
- Injury prevention and rehabilitation
- Weight loss
- Dysplasia
- Increasing body awareness
- Balance and coordination
- Fitness.
Check out this video of the pool in action:
~ Authored by Liz Lecomte
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