Why Is Hydrotherapy Good For Horses?

They give the horse a highly effective full body workout; improving general fitness, joint flexion and respiration. Depending on water level, the buoyancy of the water reduces concussion and impact on the lower limbs, and encourages an increased range of motion.

How effective is hydrotherapy?

In the last 20 years, medical experts have started studied hydrotherapy as an evidence-based treatment for some conditions and symptoms. Studies have found that hydrotherapy can be a great option to alleviate symptoms like muscle pain and joint stiffness.

What does hydrotherapy do for muscles?

The warmth of the water allows your muscles to relax and eases the pain in your joints, helping you to exercise. The water supports your weight, which helps to relieve pain and increase the range of movement in your joints. The water can be used to provide resistance to moving your joints.

What does swimming do for horses?

Swimming is hugely beneficial for improving fitness, endurance and stamina, alongside flexibility and stride. The natural resistance of water pushes the horse to work harder, increasing the capacity of the heart and lungs, as well as the toning muscles. Swimming can also aim Rehabilitation.

Is walking in water good for horses?

This in turn can help build stamina, general fitness, muscle tone, builds back muscles and encourages self-carriage. The action horses must adopt whilst walking through the water, whether this is a high step or more wading action, also helps increase the horse’s range of movement and stride length.

What are the side effects of hydrotherapy?

Side effects

• fatigue.
• muscle soreness.
• pain.
• bursitis in hips.
• cramps in calf muscles.
• cramps in feet.

When should you not use hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is not appropriate if you are experiencing any of the following:

1. Feeling generally unwell.
2. Open wounds or skin infections.
3. Cold, virus, raised temperature.
4. Diarrhoea +/- vomiting – must be at least 2 weeks clear of symptoms.
5. Inability to stand unaided.
6. Incontinence.

Does hydrotherapy reduce inflammation?

Hydrotherapy is uniquely suited to help manage arthritis symptoms. Many studies have found that warm water therapy for arthritis is an effective way to ease pressure on sore joints, reduce pain and inflammation, increase range of motion and boost healthy circulation to swollen joints.

How does hydrotherapy help recovery?

Hydrotherapy greatly reduces pain and muscle spasms and decreases joint stress. At the same time, it increases strength and range of movement, improves balance and coordination and increases your feeling of achievement even in the acute stages of rehabilitation.

What are three types of hydrotherapy?

Types of hydrotherapy

• Aquatic exercise. Water aerobics, lap swimming and group exercise classes all fall under aquatic exercise.
• Aquatic physical therapy.
• Warm water baths.
• Sitz bath.
• Saunas.
• Immersion therapies.

Do horses enjoy being in water?

The majority of horses enjoy the water and will naturally swim when they move out of their depth. But some may initially be wary of the water and so they will need time to build up their confidence.

Do horses relax in water?

Trainers who use swimming as part of their routine often find that, in addition to the cardiovascular workout, swimming helps a horse relax and settles his mind.

How long should a horse be on a water treadmill?

The ideal scenario is three, short (up to 15 minute) sessions over three consecutive days. Aim to have the second session within the same week as the first session. Avoid introducing a horse if they will not be able to repeat the exercise within 14 days.

What are the cons of hydrotherapy?

Hazards include:

• Drowning.
• Heat Exhaustion.
• Fall.
• Slip.
• Infection.
• Pool Entry and Egress.
• Skin Irritation.
• Droplet Infections e.g.Legionella.

What are the 2 types of hydrotherapy?

Ultrasonic and Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is a debridement method that uses what is known as the Venturi effect.

How often should hydrotherapy be done?

How many times a week do I need to do it? To start off with I recommend 1-2 x week to get used to the effects of the pool on your body. Once you are comfortable with the exercises and your body gets used to the pool you can increase this to 2-3 x week.

What conditions does HydroTherapy treat in animals?

Medical conditions and hydrotherapy

• Arthritis.
• Hip dysplasia.
• Cruciate ligament rupture.
• Patella luxation.
• Elbow dysplasia.
• Degenerative myelopathy.
• Intervertebral disc rupture slipped disc)
• Spondylosis.

What are the basic principles of HydroTherapy?

Hydrotherapy is based on several important bioengineering principles that permit the design and development of aquatic exercise devices, techniques and programs. These principles involve several forces (buoyancy, drag, inertia), hydrostatic pressure and the specific heat of water.

Does HydroTherapy promote wound healing?

Through the use of two innovative and complementary wound dressings (HydroClean® plus and HydroTac®) (Figure 1), HydroTherapy supports the healing process from the cleansing phase (start of treatment) through to epithelialisation (healed wound) (Figure 2).

How does hydrotherapy reduce stress?

Stress Relief
The warm temperatures hydrotherapy pools help the body release endorphins that relax the body’s reaction to stress and anxiety. Many hotels and spas offer hydrotherapy pool amenities as relaxation tools that help reduce blood pressure caused by stress.

Who should not do hydrotherapy?

Water therapy exercise should usually be avoided if a person has any of the following: Fever. Severe heart failure. Incontinence.