Water walker treadmill
The water walker is an underwater treadmill which offers different potential benefits to those of the pool or spa. For patients with poor balance or weakness the water treadmill provides an environment that stimulates sensory awareness and muscular strengthening. Patients that are normally reluctant to weight bear on a limb on land can be encouraged to use their limb in the water walker, due to reduced joint stress and compression and the sensation of reduced body weight due to buoyancy.
A particular advantage of water walking over swimming is the enhanced stifle extension seen in the water walker, which may assist recovery from stifle problems including cranial cruciate ligament disease. The hydrotherapist will differ the level of water depending on which joint you are treating and the patient’s fitness level. If the treatment is for fitness/endurance they can also increase the speed of the treadmill.
If the patient is very weak, a buoyancy jacket can be used to help support and balance the dog. The use of thera-bands, leg weights and water wings (on the unaffected limb) are all valuable tools in achieving certain goals. Encouragement is always a good idea for dogs in the water walker. The most effective form of encouragement is having the owner stand or sit in front of the window.
The University of Bristol Primrose Trust Hydrotherapy Unit at Langford is the newest centre to open in the area. Our building has been internally redesigned to offer a full range of hydrotherapy treatments using the Hot Spa, Water Walker and Jet Pool. Appointments for treatment sessions are booked through the Small Animal Practice and are carried out and supervised by qualified veterinary nurses and hydrotherapist’s. To book an appointment at the Primrose Trust Hydrotherapy Unit, or for more information please call 01934 852422.