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The Canine Rehabilitation and Conditioning Clinic
3760 S. Lipan St
Englewood, CO 80110
(303) 762-7946
www.dog-swim.com

Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure Massage
Acupressure & Massage for Equine and Canine
3760 S. Lipan St
Englewood, CO 80110
(303) 669-4227
www.denverdogma.com

By Holly Counter-Beaver and Marty Pease

Most of us two-legged varieties are familiar with physical therapy: We have experienced pain resulting from surgery, injury, age- or weightrelated physical issues, or we have watched a friend or family member struggle with these issues.

We’re also familiar with the gym, which if you believe TV broadcasts about New Year’s resolutions, occupies our thoughts quite a bit this time of year.

But did you know that it is now possible for our four-legged companions to receive similar treatment and benefit from the progress of physical rehab and conditioning – and all at one location?

At the Canine Rehabilitation and Conditioning Group’s Englewood clinic, any dog can have its day rehabilitating from surgery, injury or a chronic illness, or simply exercising to get in shape for the New Year.

The spacious 6,000-squarefoot facility is a cross between a gym and an outpatient clinic, and boasts state-of-theart equipment, including an underwater treadmill, a 28-footby- 16-foot above-ground heated indoor pool, a jetted endless pool where dogs swim in place, and 1,600 square feet of climate controlled space for conditioning and obedience training.

So who brings their dog to CRCG – and why?

Anyone can bring their dog in to swim for fun and exercise. The indoor pool is a big hit for all shapes and sizes of dogs looking for fun, safe, clean exercise in a controlled environment with their owners. Even dogs that don’t know how to swim are welcome and, if necessary, provided with a doggy swim vest.

People with show, agility and field dogs take advantage of the underwater treadmill and endless pool for focused, controlled exercise.

For those dogs that suffer from chronic conditions like arthritis, obesity, hip dysplasia or are recovering from an injury or surgery, rehab and, in particular, swimming is a very effective way to reduce or eliminate pain and resume or maintain normal activity.

Rehabilitation and exercise in water is highly effective and even superior to running or other aerobic activities. Heated water reduces stress on the joints, buoys the body and provides warmth to the muscles.

Water cross-trains by using muscles differently than walking or running uses them. Combining a treadmill and water improves coordination, since foot placement takes a little extra work and concentration.

A referral from your veterinarian for formal rehabilitation is required. No referral is necessary for a healthy dog using one of the pools.

The rehab staff is certified in canine rehabilitation and licensed in physical therapy, veterinary medicine or as a veterinary technician.

Other services, such as acupressure, acupuncture, Reiki and animal communication, are also provided by certified or trained personnel.