The water walker is an underwater treadmill system designed to facilitate exercise. It is suitable for animals recovering from various injuries and surgeries and those suffering from chronic degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis and obesity. Exercising in the underwater treadmill permits the patient to walk while the buoyancy of the water supports their weight, reducing the stress load on the patient’s joints, making the exercise more comfortable and reducing the impact within the joint. The water walker also adds resistance which forces the muscles to work harder.
Our water waler is suitable for dogs of all shapes and sizes. Patients enter the water walker from above; The belt gest lowered into the water; this is less stressful than conventional treadmills, which fill after the patient has walked in. The exercise intensity, speed and water depth can be altered to suit the treatment protocols of the patient’s age and fitness level.
Conditions most commonly treated:
- Arthritis and other degenerative conditions
- Muscle weakness and wasting
- Cranial cruciate ligament injury pre and post-surgery
- Hip Dysplasia Post-surgery or Conservative management
- Elbow Dysplasia Conservative management
- Patella Luxation
- Back Pain
- Motor vehicle trauma
- Spinal Injury post-surgery or conservative management
- Degenerative Myelopathy
- Muscle Tears and strains
- Neurological Injuries
- Corrective Orthopaedic surgery
- Obesity (exercise)
Benefits of water walker therapy include:
- Shorter rehabilitation time and faster return to function
- Accelerated strengthening tone of muscle
- Maintenance of fitness levels whilst exercise is restricted
- Older fragile patients can exercise more freely and less painfully
- Initiation of fitness programmes
- Improve joint range of motion
To find out more about our water walker, give our friendly team a call on 6272 3599.