The Benefits of an Underwater Treadmill

Whether your dog needs therapy for an injury or you want to condition a competitive or working dog, the underwater treadmill offers an effective way to improve muscle tone and build strength. Its low impact also helps reduce joint stress.

Athletes love the aquatic treadmill because it allows them to maintain high-intensity training without excess wear and tear on their joints.

Benefits

Patients with severe injury or disease can often benefit from the use of an underwater treadmill. This is because water provides natural resistance, which helps with both cardio training and a leg and core workout. Moreover, patients only bear up to 20% of their body weight in chest-deep water, which helps to reduce joint stress. This reduced weight, coupled with the movements and cardiovascular exercises patients perform on the underwater treadmill, also improves flexibility and builds muscle strength.

In addition, an underwater treadmill mimics on-land running and allows runners to continue their regular workouts without losing fitness. In fact, a recent study found that using an underwater treadmill can even help underwater treadmill runners avoid injury by reducing the impact of a workout.

The initial speed of an underwater treadmill is determined by limb length and stride. For example, a medium-sized dog starting out with an underwater treadmill is usually started at 1 to 1.5 mph, which results in a comfortable brisk walk. The therapist can increase the speed as the patient becomes more comfortable. The therapist can also add jets to the treadmill, which create turbulence and increases exertion by forcing the limbs to work harder.

Increasing the speed of an underwater treadmill can also help with gait training. For example, if a patient has an injury that prevents it from walking normally, the therapist can use an underwater treadmill to simulate normal foot placement and help the patient learn to reestablish proper foot movement.

Cost

The cost of an underwater treadmill depends on the type of unit that is purchased and how much it is used. Those that are self-propelled are typically more expensive than those that are manually powered. They also have more features that can be utilized for the therapy session such as incline and underwater jets to increase resistance or give a massage effect.

Water-based exercise can significantly reduce the impact on joints, allowing people with joint injuries to walk and train sooner. It can also improve muscle strength, balance, and flexibility, making it a great choice for those with mobility issues. For patients with hip or knee injuries, it can help alleviate pain and speed up recovery.

A water treadmill is a must-have for anyone who wants to keep up with their fitness training while suffering from chronic joint problems or arthritis. It is an excellent way to get back into training and maintain cardiovascular endurance without the joint stress. The treadmill allows athletes to run at a higher intensity than they could on land, which makes it ideal for runners and other athletes.

Using an underwater treadmill can help a dog with arthritis, an injury from orthopaedic surgery, or neurological issues such as spinal cord injury (SCI). Those that are tetraparetic may require a second person to help support the rear limbs and prevent head submersion.

Safety

While underwater treadmills can be intimidating to some pets, with the proper therapeutic handling from a physiotherapist, it’s possible to make them feel comfortable and confident. They can also be used as a supplement to regular veterinary care. This method of exercise can help improve range of motion in damaged joints, and it can even help with weight management for overweight dogs.

The buoyancy of the water reduces the stress on the joints and skeleton, making it easier for a pet to move around. It also reduces pain and underwater treadmill inflammation, and helps increase muscle strength and flexibility. This is particularly important for pets who are recovering from surgery or injuries.

A kinesiology professor at The University of Alabama in Huntsville is using an underwater treadmill to break new ground in type 2 diabetes research, as well as with adults who have lower leg amputations. He’s finding that aquatic walking is more effective than traditional land-based treadmill exercises. In fact, his studies show that the water-based walking can help increase aerobic capacity, improve flexor strength, and improve joint mobility.

When it comes to utilizing an underwater treadmill, the therapist is able to control many different factors, including the water depth and turbulence, and the speed and incline of the treadmill. This allows for a customized treatment plan for each individual animal. Additionally, the physiotherapist can change which legs are used during the exercise.

Installation

An underwater treadmill is a specialized running surface that is submerged in water. It can be used for rehabilitation and training for horses or people with disabilities. It is a therapeutic treatment for various conditions, including nerve damage, arthritis, and back pain. It also improves a dog’s mental well-being and provides an effective form of exercise for overweight dogs.

The natural buoyancy of the water reduces weight-bearing pressure on the joints, which makes it easy for patients to move in a comfortable position. Buoyancy is especially helpful for injured or mobility-impaired individuals, and it can help them return to normal activities sooner. This is particularly important for athletes who don’t want to lose their fitness level while recovering from an injury.

Underwater treadmills are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, and they can be installed into existing pools or new pool construction. They use a pump, filter, and heater to keep the water clean and warm. Most require periodic mechanical maintenance. It is recommended to have a trained therapist to oversee the operation and maintenance of the equipment. It’s also necessary to make sure the facility has enough space for the pool and filtration system, as well as a reliable water source and drainage availability. Some models are portable, making them ideal for travel or remote locations.