What is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is a form of therapeutic treatment that utilises the properties of water to assist in pain relief, rehabilitation, and overall physical wellbeing. By immersing the body in water, the effects of gravity are reduced, thereby lessening the impact on joints such as the knees, hips, feet, and spine. This supportive environment is especially advantageous for individuals who experience difficulty performing exercises on land due to pain, fatigue, or mobility limitations.
How Does Hydrotherapy Work?
The therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy are derived from both the thermal and mechanical characteristics of water:
- Warm water promotes muscle relaxation and alleviates pain.
- Buoyancy reduces the body’s weight, thereby minimising joint stress and facilitating easier movement.
- Hydrostatic pressure improves blood circulation and assists in reducing swelling.
- Water turbulence provides a natural massaging effect, further aiding in relaxation.
- Water resistance offers both assistance and resistance for movement, depending on the direction and speed of exercise.
Moreover, water’s natural resistance is greater than that of air. Therefore, exercises performed in water can be more challenging, enhancing muscle activation, calorie expenditure, and cardiovascular conditioning. Regular aquatic aerobic activity can lead to improvements in strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall health.
Who Can Benefit from Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including:
- Acute and chronic pain
– arthritis, rheumatism, poor circulation
– musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., sports, back, neck, shoulder, and limb injuries)
– neurological conditions affecting balance and coordination - Back and neck injuries
– Ideal for post-injury core strengthening and mobility restoration - Post-operative rehabilitation
– Particularly useful following orthopaedic surgeries such as total hip or knee replacements or fractures
– Buoyancy of water enables earlier and safer initiation of gait retraining and muscle reconditioning
Hydrotherapy enables strengthening exercises in a low-impact environment. Movements that may be painful or restricted on land can often be performed comfortably in water, contributing to improved function on land over time.
What Equipment is Used During Hydrotherapy?
Your treating physiotherapist will bring any necessary equipment for your hydrotherapy session. This may include:
- Wrist and ankle weights
- Foam dumbbells
- Hand paddles or resistance gloves
- Kickboards
- Buoyant belts
You will need to bring your own swimwear and towel. Water shoes are also recommended to enhance safety and prevent slipping.
Where Are Hydrotherapy Sessions Held?
We conduct hydrotherapy sessions in a variety of conveniently located pools, including:
- Guildford Heated Pool (Guildford)
- Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre (Ryde)
- Ripples Hydrotherapy Centre (St Marys)
- Fairfield Leisure Centre (Fairfield)
- Blacktown Leisure Centre (Stanhope Gardens)
Prior to beginning hydrotherapy, a qualified physiotherapist will conduct an assessment to ensure it is a safe and suitable form of therapy for you.
Important Tips for Hydrotherapy Sessions:
- The ideal water depth is between waist and chest level.
- Move slowly in water to minimise resistance, or faster to increase intensity as required.
- Always stay hydrated, even while exercising in water.
- Water shoes can enhance grip and safety.
Common Concerns and Contraindications
Swimming ability is not required. We typically utilise shallow-depth pools (1.2–1.4 meters), and the therapist remains beside the patient at all times for support. Pools are equipped with hydraulic chairs or hoists to assist individuals who have difficulty entering or exiting the pool via steps.
Please inform your physiotherapist if you have any of the following conditions, or if you are unsure about your suitability for hydrotherapy:
- Open wounds or skin infections
- Cold, flu, or other infectious illnesses (e.g., gastroenteritis)
- Incontinence
- Uncontrolled heart conditions or high blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Epilepsy (uncontrolled)
- Recent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE)
- Recent chemotherapy
Should you have any concerns or questions regarding hydrotherapy, our team is here to assist you in determining whether this therapeutic approach is appropriate for your health and recovery goals. Please consult your treating physiotherapist before commencing hydrotherapy.
