Plus-Hex CLINICAL
Table 1 . Comparison of hydrotherapy modalities [ 2 ] .
Pool swimming Underwater treadmill ( UTM )
Examples of conditions and patients treated
• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Osteoarthritis
• Cruciate disease
• Postoperative patients ( e . g . those that have undergone total plateau levelling osteotomy ( TPLO ), total tibial arthrotomy ( TTA ) and lateral suture surgery ) following initial strengthening and rehabilitation in the UTM
• Intervertebral disc disease
• Ischaemic paralysis
• Neurological / spinal deficits
• Soft tissue injuries
• Initial stages of rehabilitation in patients following surgery ( e . g . TPLO , lateral suture , arthroscopy , TTA )
Advantages of use
• Promotes global muscle build-up
• A weightless , high-quality form of exercise , with no impact on joints
• Improves patient circulation , through contact with warm water and natural hydrostatic pressure in the pool
• Suitable for patients with certain behaviours – for example , if a patient has a tendency to be aggressive , a lead can be attached to their float coat to maintain control while they swim , but at a distance
• Aids gait retraining as the therapist can focus on a specific limb / limbs and improve proprioceptive / nerve transmission
• The belt aids proprioceptive feedback because it is slightly textured to add grip
• Creates a more controlled environment , with less risk of erratic movements
• Allows the therapist to accurately measure and alter the patient ' s stride length and consistency
• Strengthens specific muscles or areas of the body through supported weightlessness , with reduced impact and some natural buoyancy
Disadvantages of use
• Less ability for the therapist to focus on a specific area
• The environment is less controlled than the UTM , meaning that more erratic movement can occur , so it is not suitable for patients with spinal conditions
• Potential for the patient to refuse to walk
• Less natural than swimming
• A more confined space , which can pose an increased risk with a reactive dog
• Designed to focus on more specific body areas rather than global muscle build-up
Volume 38 ( 5 ) • October 2023
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