Hydrotherapy is water-based exercise which allows low-load rehabilitation and treatment of conditions.
Hydrotherapy utilises the properties of water such as buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure and can have a number of positive effects including reduced pain and swelling, improved mobility and increased function. Strength and conditioning exercises can be performed either using the resistance of water alone or the use of small equipment such as paddles or foam.
Conditions which may benefit from hydrotherapy include:
- Low back pain
- Knee and hip osteoarthritis
- Shoulder pain (persistent pain and post-op rehabilitation)
- Injuries where weight-bearing or loading is restricted
- Sports injuries where cross-training is required to maintain fitness (e.g. deep water running)
- Lymphoedema
- Mobility and balance retraining
- Chronic and Persistent Pain Management
Hydrotherapy services at NQ Physio Solutions are available by appointment. Contact us for more details.
What to expect in a hydrotherapy session?
Hydrotherapy sessions typically involve simple movements in the water, which you build on to progress and improve your condition. As a low-impact form of rehabilitation, hydrotherapy uses the thermal effects of water to assist healing and recovery through exercise. Hydrotherapy is also an effective way improve strength and conditioning in a low-impact environment.
Depending on your physiotherapy plan, hydrotherapy sessions can look different for everyone. Most commonly, hydrotherapy exercises include walking practice, stretching, strengthening, mobility exercises, and balance training. Your physiotherapist design a program that will address your, specific injury or rehabilitation requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is hydrotherapy suitable?
Physiotherapists may recommend hydrotherapy for elderly people who can engage in fitness and strengthening exercises without the risk of falling and causing further injury.
Hydrotherapy is also often recommended for individuals who experience pain from other types of workouts while recovering from an injury. The low-resistance of water exercises allows individuals to move freely and progress in their recovery.
Hydrotherapy is often used in conjunction with a physiotherapy treatment plan to aid in recovery from an injury or surgery. The low risk and low impact of hydrotherapy usually serve as a helpful addition to an individual's rehabilitation.