Get In The Swim

We’re making a splash at Next Step with our dynamic aquatic therapy & fitness program, featuring the Westcoast Water Walker Underwater Treadmill & SwimEx OS400 Current Resistance Pool.  But we’re not ALL wet!  The Next Step team of physical therapists & veterinary medical professionals will Get your pet In The Swim with…

• Innovative sports medicine & performance enhancement programs, based on the principles of Optimum Performance Training

• Intensive neuro-rehabilitation

• Pro-active orthopaedic rehabilitation

• Dynamic aquatic therapy & fitness, featuring the Westcoast Water Walker Underwater Treadmill, and the SwimEx OS400 Current Resistance Pool

• Progressive conditioning & weight management programs

• Revolutionary orthotics, prosthetics, & assistive devices

• Flexible inpatient, outpatient, & day rehabilitation

What are the benefits of aquatic therapy & fitness?
Water has been utilized for centuries for its therapeutic benefits.  Water provides buoyancy, for reduced stress to joints & to allow for more comfortable weight bearing.  Water also provides resistance for strengthening of the muscles of the trunk (or “core”) & extremities.  Exercise in water might also provide further cardiovascular benefits, as the hydrostatic pressures encountered in the aquatic exercise environment encourages fitness with reduced cardiovascular stress.

What’s so special about the Westcoast Water Walker Underwater Treadmill?
The Westcoast Water Walker Underwater Treadmill at Next Step was the first of its kind in North America.  With a ramp, making entry easy & low stress for your pet, the glass-enclosed stainless steel tank allows you to frequently interact with your pet during exercise.  Water Walking is a fantastic method of strengthening that resembles walking on land, but exaggerates motions for improved range of motion & flexibility & allows more normal walking patterns for the pet tentative about using a formerly injured or painful limb. 

What’s so special about the SwimEx OS400 Current Resistance Pool?
Though many facilities utilize pools with jets for resistance, the SwimEx OS400 provides a wide current, similar to that of a river.  Jet-resistance pools apply resistance, necessary for strengthening, only in small focused areas, easily evaded by an ingenious pup.  Alternatively, the SwimEx current applies a uniform resistance to the entire leading edge of the body.  The team at Next Step can alter the current intensity to your pet’s ability & measure the current with the unique, state-of-the-art Swimometer, guaranteeing progression of sessions & eventual results.

Is the Next Step team qualified to perform aquatic therapy & fitness?
The physical therapists at Next Step are licensed in the state of Maryland & have completed rigorous post-graduate training in the latest animal rehabilitation & physical therapy techniques.  These therapists have a combined 28 years of experience in physical therapy & 12 years in animal rehabilitation, including extensive experience in aquatic therapy & fitness techniques.  A world-renowned instructor in animal rehabilitation, focusing on aquatic therapy & neuro-rehabilitation, our Director of Rehabilitation, Amie Lamoreaux Hesbach, will undoubtedly exceed your expectations.

What should I expect on my first visit to Next Step?
If possible, download & complete the admissions paperwork prior to your arrival at Next Step.  If this is not possible, the paperwork can be completed on your arrival.  You will be escorted to our consultation room & our Rehabilitation Assistant will gather initial information from you & your pet, taking vital signs, if necessary.  Your primary physical therapist will then review your pet’s history & your goals for seeking aquatic therapy & fitness services at Next Step.  Often, the Next Step therapist will have consulted with your primary care or specialty veterinarian, even before meeting you & your pet for the first time.  Meanwhile, the therapist will perform her comprehensive objective functional & gait analysis, including measurement of range of motion, strength, & flexibility, among other physical assessments.  The physical therapist will coordinate with you to establish the rehabilitation “Game Plan,” including a home program, if applicable. The Next Step team always reviews this “Game Plan” with your primary care or specialty veterinarian following your first visit.  Finally, your pet will be led through his first “swimming lesson” learning what might come naturally, but what might require the therapist’s helping hand for a safe & positive experience.

Do I need a referral from my veterinarian?
Yes, aquatic therapy & fitness services are provided at Next Step only upon referral from a veterinarian.  If you do not have a referral & are interested in aquatic therapy & fitness at Next Step, just contact our office & we’ll help to coordinate this referral from your primary care veterinarian or the specialty veterinarian that you designate.