Why I Don’t Have A Water Treadmill (and What I Use Instead!)
Choosing tools that serve the pet - not the trend!
Many pet parents (and even vets) come to me asking for water treadmill treatment and then are surprised to learn that it is not one of the options we offer! While it’s one of the most common thoughts that come to people’s mind when they think animal PT, it’s just a piece of the puzzle. I thought this week we would dive into this topic and give you a clear, compassionate answer as to the- why not for us!
Before we dive into my reasons, I do want to add that they can be valuable tools in certain settings and for certain patients. Clinics that DO decide to use them are not in the wrong. However, they are not the only or always best path to recovery. Every clinic builds it’s toolkit differently, and my focus in on movement quality, whole-body healing, connection, and individualized care.
The Bigger Picture: Rehab Isn’t About Equipment—It’s about Outcomes
Every rehab tool has it’s place, but the true value comes from how and when it’s used.
Underwater treadmills are wonderful for some dogs—especially those recovering from surgery or who need gentle motion with buoyancy support. However, they aren’t the right fit for every pet, and they don’t automatically guarantee better results.
Our approach focuses on authentic movement patterns-the kind your dog uses every day on land- in their home, and out on walks.
Why Water Isn’t Always the Best Fit
There are a few specific reasons why I don’t rely on a water treadmill as my primary therapy tool:
Reduced proprioception and issue of progressive loading: While buoyancy helps reduce the impact and weight on joints, this also decreases the feedback pets receive AND studies in humans have shown that in order to progress strength we need to progressively load the areas we want to strengthen! Think of it like going to the gym and lifting weights with NO WEIGHT. Sure the motion will be there but there will be no gains in strength which translates to function! Now, while it’s true the UWTM can help with severely deconditioned dogs and it can help with initial strengthening, these same dogs will eventually run the risk of an overuse injury or reach a plateau. Land based rehab allows for targeted and progressive training to allow them to handle real world environments with greater ease and success!
Limited Carryover to land movement: The way a pet moves in water doesn’t exactly translate to how they move on land. While dogs can improve with hands on treatment to facilitate correct gait pattern in the water, they function on land and we can address movement dysfunction through other means besides simply UWTM.
Anxiety or Stress: Some pets find enclosed water spaces stressful, which can increase tension and affect recovery.
Less control of posture and quality of movement- Many subtle issues-like compensation or poor core engagement- are harder to address in water and can often be better addressed through other treatment strategies.
Comorbities: Some pets- especially older kiddos- often present with other issues such as infections or cardiac issues which can affect safety with water therapy.
For many pets, land-based rehab allows for greater precision, confidence- building, and long-term results.
What I Use Instead
At Aligned Animal Rehab and Fitness, LLC, I use tools that directly improve how pets move in real life:
-Manual therapy-to ease stiffness and restore mobility
-Targeted strengthening and balance exercises to build core stability and target weak areas for improved mobility.
-Modalities such as laser to reduce pain and inflammation
-Custom home exercise plans to keep progress progressive and consistent between visits.
This approach allows me to see and treat the full picture: posture, alignment, strength, confidence, and the emotional connection between pet and parent.
My Philosophy: Intentional, Not Trend-Driven
My clinic’s mission is restoring wholeness through movement, connection, and care. This means I choose each tool and treatment with purpose—not because it’s trendy or flashy, but because it truly helps the animal in front of me move better and feel better!
Sometimes that looks like a laser session or a set of slow, focused balance exercises. Other times, it looks like teaching a senior dog to shift their weight evenly again. Or even simply helping a nervous pet feel safe enough to move freely.
Rehab isn’t one-size-fits-all. Or one modality.
The goal is to ALWAYS meet each pet exactly where they are-physically, emotionally, and energetically- and guide them toward comfort, balance, and joy in motion.
Whether that happens in water or on land, the heart of the work is the same—helping your pet move better, feel better, and live fully again! There may come a point when we do add an UWTM, however it’s not a cure all and dogs are able to recover and find mobility again with other strategies. We feel we are able to offer a more comprehensive and longer lasting approach to your pets healing journey without one currently.
Contact us to book a consultation or learn more about how physical therapy can make all the difference for your dog’s mobility.
Because your pet deserves comfort, connection, and a body that supports the beautiful life they’re here to live!
