Jack’s journey to strength and healing

Senior Standard Poodle walks in an underwater treadmill in Palm Desert, California with hydrotherapist Wendy Rall of Rescued Tails.

By Wendy RaLL

Introduction:

Today I'm thrilled to share with you the inspiring journey of Jack, a spirited 14-year-old Standard Poodle. Jack's story is one of resilience, hope, and the incredible power of hydrotherapy in the face of aging. 

The Initial Struggle:

Aging, accompanied with arthritis is a formidable foe, affecting most of our senior aged dogs. Jack was not exempt from its challenges, revealing itself in the form of an occasional drag in his step and weakness in his legs. His family sought my expertise to help Jack reclaim his strength and comfort.

My commitment:

As a hydrotherapist deeply committed to the well-being of your dogs, my goal is to provide not just relief but a holistic approach to healing. Jack's journey began with a trio of therapeutic interventions—massage, cold laser therapy, and the star of the show, hydrotherapy.

Massage and Cold Laser Therapy: A Prelude to Hydrotherapy:

Arthritis often tightens its grip, causing discomfort and affecting the ease of movement. Jack's initial sessions involved massage and cold laser therapy. These treatments were tailored to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, promote healing and enhance his overall well-being. 

Hydrotherapy:

Enter hydrotherapy, the cornerstone of Jack's improvement. The warm water provided Jack with an environment where he could exercise with reduced impact on his joints. This not only brought relief but also became a powerful tool in building strength in Jack's aging muscles. I give Jack a therapeutic massage when we are taking a rest during our walk in the underwater treadmill. He really enjoys his visits!

The Weeks Unfold:

Weeks 1-2:

Jack’s first visit included canine massage therapy, cold laser therapy and hydrotherapy. He was in obvious need of a focus on cell growth, so I focused on massage and cold laser therapy sessions for the first several weeks. An improvement in his gait hinted at the progress to come.

Weeks 3-6:

With each passing week, Jack's walk showed increased strength. The dragging of his foot diminished. His family, was thrilled to witness these improvements. His Father noted that it was easier for Jack to get up on the smooth floors in his office.

Weeks 7-9:

The introduction of hydrotherapy marked a turning point. Jack does very well in the water. The resistance of the water sparked muscle engagement, laying the foundation for increased strength. Hydrotherapy helps to make Jack’s heart stronger as well as his muscles.

Reflection and Hope:

Jack's journey is a testament to the transformative power of hydrotherapy. The combination of massage, cold laser therapy, and aquatic exercise aide in his healing, offering hope not just to Jack but to every pet facing the challenges of aging.

Conclusion:

In closing, Jack's journey is a celebration of the incredible resilience within our pets. As a hydrotherapist, witnessing these transformations is the greatest reward. Here's to more stories of triumph over adversity.