Helen is bringing hydrotherapy to Worksop's animals

A brand new hydrotherapy centre is opening in Worksop – for pets.
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The centre is being opening by Helen Shipman, who is well known to pet owners in the town as the founder of dog grooming business Wagz Pet Boutique, which opened 10 years ago.

Since then, Helen has expanded her business into opening a doggy day creche and now animal hydrotherapy.Helen said: “I qualified as a hydrotherapist last year and I amreally happy to be able to bring this facility to our town and it’s the only facility of its kind for us here in Worksop and surrounding areas.

"The nearest centre like it is around 50 minutes travelling away and that’s a long way for a lot of people.

Helen Shipman testing out her new pet hydrotherapy pool at the centreHelen Shipman testing out her new pet hydrotherapy pool at the centre
Helen Shipman testing out her new pet hydrotherapy pool at the centre

“I also wanted to open it because I really want to work in vet care and I also love watching programmes like The Supervet on TV and you often see how once he has done an operation, part of the rehab process involves animals swimming in hydrotherapy pools.

"As well as that, I saw a Facebook video showing a dog using a hydrotherapy pool and how the water was so good for helping the animal recover and heal without causing it pain.

"I looked into training, found there was a centre in Nuneaton, and booked myself on to course.”The new facility will include a purpose-built state-of-the-art hydrotherapy pool, heated to a therapeutic temperature of between 30 and 32 degrees, which has just been installed.

And Helen has an extensive list of animal ailments she will be able to treat at the centre, including osteoarthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament disease, spinal and neurological conditions, lameness, joint injuries, mobility issues, weight reduction, chronic pain, CDRM and strokes.

She continued: "We will be working with veterinary centers in treatment care for medical conditions, post and pre-op rehabilitation and I will only be treating animals that have been referred by a vet.

"That’s part of the regulations and we will be fully inspected by the authorities before we open to ensure that we are fully regulated and insured and that I am properly qualified.

"We plan to open in mid-September and I can start taking bookings from vet referrals now.”

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