Underwater Treadmill Therapy

What Is an Underwater Treadmill?

Underwater treadmill therapy is a low-impact rehabilitation and conditioning treatment that uses warm water and controlled treadmill movement to improve strength, mobility, and comfort. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints while providing gentle resistance to help pets rebuild muscle and coordination safely.

At PetMotion Veterinary Rehabilitation, our underwater treadmill sessions are customized for each patient and supervised by trained rehabilitation professionals to ensure safety, proper form, and therapeutic benefit.

How It Helps

Water provides three key therapeutic benefits:

Buoyancy – reduces weight-bearing stress on joints and surgical sites
Resistance – builds strength and muscle without impact
Hydrostatic pressure – supports circulation and reduces swelling

This allows pets to exercise earlier in recovery and with less pain than traditional land-based exercise alone.

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Conditions That Benefit

Underwater treadmill therapy can help pets with:

Post-surgical recovery (ACL/CCL, TPLO, fracture repair, spinal surgery) Arthritis and joint pain
Neurologic conditions (IVDD, weakness, coordination deficits)
Hip dysplasia
Weight management
Conditioning for working and sport dogs
Senior pet mobility support
General strengthening and endurance

It is also an excellent option for pets who cannot tolerate full weight-bearing exercise on land.

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What to Expect During a Session

Each session is tailored to your pet’s medical condition, comfort level, and goals. A typical visit may include:

Pre-session Consult with veterinarian
Assisted entry into the treadmill
Gradual water fill for comfort and support
Controlled walking with therapist guidance
Rest breaks as needed
Drying and post-session evaluation

Sessions typically last 10–20 minutes of treadmill work, depending on the pet’s tolerance and stage of rehabilitation.

Most pets adapt quickly and many grow to enjoy their sessions.

Safety & Comfort

Your pet’s safety is our top priority.

Water temperature is carefully controlled
Sessions are supervised at all times
Harness support life jackets are used when needed
Speeds and water levels are adjusted continuously
Sanitation protocols are followed between every patient

If a pet is nervous around water, we use gradual desensitization and positive reinforcement to help them feel comfortable.

Is My Pet a Candidate?

Most pets benefit from underwater treadmill therapy, but it may not be appropriate for:

Open wounds or infections
Contagious skin or ear disease
Certain cardiac or respiratory conditions
Severe stress with water

Our rehabilitation team will determine if this therapy is right for your pet and build a plan tailored to their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sessions will my pet need?

This depends on diagnosis and goals. Some pets benefit from short-term post surgical rehab, while others use ongoing sessions for arthritis or conditioning.

Do I need a veterinary referral?

We work closely with your primary veterinarian and can coordinate care to ensure the best outcome but no, a veterinary referral is not needed.

Will my pet be forced to swim?

No. The treadmill allows pets to walk comfortably with support. We never force participation.

Our Approach at PetMotion

We use underwater treadmill therapy as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that may include:

Therapeutic exercise
Laser therapy
Manual therapy
Neuromuscular re-education
Pain management support

Our goal is to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life so pets can return to the activities they love. Contact us today to schedule your pets’ hydrotherapy session.

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