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Underwater treadmill basics
Veterinary specialist says this service is great for patients and as a revenue stream.
"Hydrotherapy is a great utilization for many aspects in rehab," says Fetch dvm360 conference speaker Matthew Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVPP, CVA. He goes on to say that it carries a benefit for neurological, postsurgical, osteoarthritic and obese patients.
"What are all of these patients fighting? They're fighting gravity," he says.
He says the best way to combat this force of nature is with another: the buoyancy of water. As an added bonus, he says you can control many aspects of the situation, from temperature and pH of the water, to the speed and angle of the treadmill. This gives you great latitude to treat arthritic pets as well as those who are unstable on their feet.
Another treadmill application is exercise for sporting and working dogs.
"We can now condition our athletic patients so that they're able to serve, to protect us," he says.
As for the financial impact, Dr. Brunke reminds you that hydrotherapy is for more than just specialty patients.
"You can work on all your obese patients and then all of those patients that some have arthritis, that have neurological problems," he says.
Add to this the fact that it is weatherproof and you've got a solid base for revenue he says.
Watch the video for more.
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