HYDROTHERAPY

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is exercises performed in a heated pool under the supervision of a physiotherapist/Exercise Physiologist. Hydrotherapy utilises the properties of the water to assist in the therapy session by providing buoyancy leading to an environment where it reduces the load on the weight-bearing joints. Due to the heat of the pool, it relaxes the muscles leading to reduced pain and increased function in the pool.

What does it treat?

Hydrotherapy helps in several ways:

  • Reduce pain
  • Improve the strength of the muscles
  • Improve in range of motion in the joints
  • Improves mobility – ease of mobilising in the water compared to land
  • Increases cardiovascular fitness
  • Improvement in balance and co-ordination
  • Promotes relaxation of muscles
  • Reduced falls risk when doing intensive exercises
  • A more fun environment to do exercises – increased motivation
  • Re-education of the functions/activities

    Who would benefit from hydrotherapy?

    Hydrotherapy is not limited to any particular group to reap the benefits, with the recommendations and supervision of the physiotherapist/Exercise Physiologist, you might be suitable for hydrotherapy. Some conditions that hydrotherapy is useful for are:

    • Musculoskeletal pain and conditions – back pain, knee pain and hip pain
    • Arthritis and joint pain – Osteoarthritis, Osteopenia, Osteoporosis
    • Joint replacements and other post-operative treatments – total knee replacement, total hip replacement
    • Sports injuries – ACL rehab, Lower limb surgery, Hip and back surgeries
    • Neurological conditions – such as stroke rehab

    How to join hydrotherapy?

    Simply book an initial consult with the physiotherapist/Exercise Physiologist who would do an initial assessment just to ensure that you are safe and suitable for hydrotherapy, then the physiotherapist/Exercise Physiologist would provide you with further information about hydrotherapy and how to prepare for the session.

    During your first one-on-one hydrotherapy session, the physiotherapist/Exercise Physiologist will trial different exercises and therapy techniques to ensure the safest and suitable exercises which you would receive as an email to carry out at you own time in a heated pool or you can book one on one or group sessions with us. Only carry out the exercise in a heated pool if the physiotherapist/Exercise Physilogist instructs you to.

    So if you’re interested and want to know more about the hydrotherapy make an appointment by calling 07 5302 2933 or email us at gattonphysiotherapy2@yahoo.com