Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a therapeutic way of exercising in an environment that is less strenuous. Exercising in water reduces the effect of gravity due to buoyancy, allowing people to exercise at a level they may otherwise not be able to due to their disability or pain.

Supervised hydrotherapy is an appropriate alternative or addition to a land-based mobility, chronic pain, falls prevention and pre/post-operative exercise program.

Hydrotherapy can be considered a physiotherapy or exercise physiology service.

If you are not a strong swimmer, there is no need to worry! Hydrotherapy differs to stroke swimming, as exercises will most often be completed in a variety of standing positions in shallow water. If you still have concerns about your safety in the water, speak to your treating practitioner - they will be more than happy to provide assistance and close supervision in the water with you.

Hydrotherapy for neurological conditions

Hydrotherapy is suitable for people with a range of neurological conditions including:

· Multiple sclerosis

· Cerebral palsy

· Parkinson's disease

· Post stroke recovery

· Traumatic brain injury

· Spinal cord injury

Exercising in warm water can help neurological conditions by decreasing joint stiffness, improving muscle tone, and promoting muscle relaxation. This may provide relief from chronic pain associated with these conditions.

Water provides a safe environment to practice walking sooner than on land. It is a great environment to begin practicing walking without mobility aids. As your walking improves, exercises can be modified to increase difficulty by increasing drag and turbulence through the use of equipment.

An individualised hydrotherapy can also improve muscle strength, balance, coordination, self-confidence and mental health.

Hydrotherapy for frequent fallers

Falls are one of the largest health concerns for the elderly due to high morbidity and mortality associated with falling. The cause of falls in the elderly is multifactorial, with risks for falls including having a history of falling, muscle weakness, poor balance, visual impairment, slower reaction time, pharmacological contributions, and environmental hazards.

Supervised hydrotherapy creates a safe environment for people to move without a fear of falling and causing injury. Hydrotherapy should complement an individualised land-based falls prevention exercise program prescribed by you allied health professional.

Hydrotherapy for musculoskeletal conditions, including post-surgery.

Hydrotherapy can be implemented into a rehabilitation plan to help speed recovery from muscle & joint conditions. Hydrotherapy is commonly recommended as part of post-surgical rehabilitation as water places less load on operated joints. Often pain is the limiting factor in joint range of motion post operatively, and hydrotherapy encourages greater degree of movement due to the therapeutic environment. To reduce the likelihood of infection, ensure your surgical incisions have adequately healed - if unsure, speak to your specialist/GP.