Hydrotherapy at The Sams Clinic

SwimEx Hydrotherapy Pool Swimming has long been recognized as a beneficial form of non-weight bearing exercise. At The Sams Clinic, canine conditioning and post-operative surgical care is enhanced with our state-of- the-art SwimEx Hydrotherapy pool. Because it's non-weight bearing patients can begin water therapy sooner than other therapies, and the warm temperature of the pool, 80 to 90 degrees, helps reduce pain and speed the healing process.

Designed with a ramp for easy access, the SwimEx has a paddle wheel that creates a wide, steady flow similar to the current of a river. The therapist adjusts the current, increasing the resistance, as a dog gets stronger. Every dog wears a swim vest in the pool, making it easier for the therapist to guide her patient against the current or across the current, depending on the recommended rehabilitation protocol.

Swim sessions are scheduled in advance. As long as it's not distracting to your dog, you'll be welcome to watch you're his or her sessions in the SwimEx pool, but clients are not allowed in the pool or on the pool ramp. Clients sometimes find it more convenient to leave their dogs with us during their hydrotherapy sessions.

Benefits of the SwimEx Hydrotherapy Pool

• Offers dogs an effective, therapeutic way to have fun
• Helps expend excess energy after non-activity due to surgery restrictions or lameness
• Allows for early non-weight bearing rehabilitation
• Assists with pain reduction
• Involves all major muscle groups
• Increases range of motion
• Improves aerobic capacity
• Aids in weight reduction

  HP200 Underwater Treadmill

  The HydroPhysio HP200 is a state-of-the-art underwater treadmill with a 360º view that allows the rehabilitation therapist to observe her patient's motion from all angles. A patient enters the treadmill via a non-slip ramp, and the treadmill starts and stops slowly to avoid startling the patient. Standing on non-slip tread plates on either side of the moving belt, the therapist guides the dog from inside the treadmill. The unique walk-through design allows a dog to walk straight out, eliminating the stress of having to turn around or back out, especially important for an injured dog. By increasing the water level, we increase the buoyancy of the dog and the workload while decreasing the stress on his or her joints. We also encourage specific joint motions by altering the water level. The underwater treadmill let's the therapist easily see the gradual improvement in a dog's gait. Ideal for post-op rehabilitation, the HP200 treadmill is also an excellent tool for helping a healthy dog improve his or her fitness level.

  Indications for Hydrotherapy

• Conditions common to geriatric dogs
• Arthritis
• Chronic pain
• Post-op conditions
• Soft tissue injuries
• Obesity
• General conditioning and fitness

  Contraindications For Hydrotherapy

• Aggression
• Epilepsy
• Chemotherapy
• Respiratory problems
• Heart conditions
• Infections
• Incontinence/diarrhea