Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy, otherwise known as Aquatic Physiotherapy, is a specific form of physiotherapy treatment conducted in a heated pool. Aquatic Physiotherapy treatment (individually or in groups) incorporates individual assessment, diagnosis and the use of clinical reasoning skills to formulate a treatment program appropriate to each patient’s needs. By combining hands-on pool based physiotherapy treatment techniques and specifically designed exercises supervised by physiotherapists with specific training in Aquatic Physiotherapy, hydrotherapy helps regain or enhance physical well being in a warm relaxing environment. A series of gentle therapeutic exercises (distinct from swimming or aqua-aerobics) carried out in a heated pool allow greater comfort and range of movement as the water supports body weight. Therapeutic exercises can be progressed safely using the resistance of the water to strengthen the muscles and improve stability.

The warmth increases circulation, reduces muscle spasm, and helps to relieve pain. Patients do not need to be able to swim in order to benefit from Aquatic Physiotherapy. Aquatic Physiotherapy may be used alone or in conjunction with other rehabilitation programs. An aquatic program is often a stepping stone for patients to progress onto gym or land based exercise programs. The rehabilitation program can also include appropriate exercises to maintain fitness, while recovering from sports injuries or orthopaedic surgery.

What conditions can Hydrotherapy benefit?Some of the many conditions that can benefit from an individualised Aquatic Physiotherapy program include:

• Back pain/sciatica/ lumbar instability

• Whiplash & other neck pain

• Sports injuries

• Tendinopathy

• Balance/coordination problems

• Shoulder and arm pain

• Osteoarthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis & Fibromyalgia

• Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Stroke

• Cerebral Palsy

• Back and pelvic pain during pregnancy

• Work and accident related injuries

• Rehabilitation after bone fractures, joint replacement or tendon repair

Aquatic Physiotherapy has been shown to bring pain relief, combined with long lasting improvements in joint mobility and muscle strength.