Greyfriars

Hydrotherapy

Greyfriars has a hydrotherapy pool and water treadmill – which allows us the flexibility to choose the most suitable hydrotherapy treatment for our patients. The hydrotherapy team is overseen by our Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners and ACPAT Chartered Physiotherapists. The hydrotherapy pool is a large
5 metre by 10 metre heated swimming pool, complete with swim jets and resting/ rehabilitation platforms.

Hydrotherapy at Greyfriars

Our initial treatment choice will be based on our clinical knowledge and experience and be influenced by your pet’s general health, surgical treatment or injury. We also take into account the breed, size and behaviour of your dog or cat and adjust hydrotherapy treatments accordingly. For some conditions, such as hip dysplasia, we find a combination of pool and water treadmill can give very successful results.

The hydrotherapy team are Registered Canine Hydrotherapists (RCH) with the National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists (NARCH). This means we work to the highest ethical and care standards in the UK and you can be sure that the member of staff looking after your pet is well trained, qualified and experienced.

As well as hydrotherapy for rehabilitation we also offer fitness swims and learn to swim sessions.

Hydrotherapy pool

10 x 5 metres – one of the largest in the UK

A larger pool size allows for more relaxed natural behaviour and motivation

Allows early rehabilitation where reduced weight bearing or load on joints is important – post surgery or injury

Resting and treatment platforms allow physiotherapy treatment and massage in the warm water in the pool

Heated to 29-30 degrees C – relaxing and pain relieving

Swim jets – for neurological input or to increase effort, build muscle and improve cardiovascular fitness

Water treadmill

Allows early rehabilitation for spinal injury/surgery patients

Observation and filming from all sides for gait assessment

Hydrotherapists can be hands on to aid correct gait

Water height can be adjusted to decrease/increase weight bearing

Water height can be adjusted to achieve movements we require

Speed and duration can be adjusted to achieve optimal gait

Useful for dogs that are nervous about water or swimming

Hydrotherapy can be used to

Decrease pain

Increase sensory perception

Relax muscle tension or spasm

Reduce oedema (swelling)

Increase muscle bulk, strength and tone

Improve muscle patterning and recruitment – extremely important for spinal injury dogs learning to walk again

Prevent secondary complications as a result of limb disuse, muscle contracture, gait abnormalities

Help with earlier return to normal life or work – important for assistance or police dogs

Increase joint range of movement

Slow the progression of the effects of degenerative disease – including osteoarthritis and degenerative myelopathy

Improve quality of life – especially for older or disabled dogs

Meet our Hydrotherapy team

Meet the Greyfriars team
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Becca Golton (RCH)

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Kerry Mitchell (RCH)

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Kirsten Foulkes (RCH)

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Leanne Drayton (RCH)

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Penny Potterton

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Angela Griffiths (CCRP, RCH)

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Kate Parsons (Vet Physio, RCH)

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Becky Blanchard (RCH)