Hydrotherapy?

What is Hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is a form of exercise that is completed in water to assist with rehabilitation. Hydrotherapy is secure and low-risk, meaning clients feel safer in this environment when compared to land-based exercise. There are several properties of water which assist in recovery and rehabilitation. These include:

• Buoyancy – The force experienced as an upward thrust acting in the opposite direction of gravity. Buoyancy aids with reducing the amount of pressure on joints, muscles and connective tissue.

• Viscosity – Viscosity refers to the resistance of water to the motion of the human body. Resistance rises with increased velocity of movement and body part surface area.

• Hydrostatic Pressure – Pressure increases with density of fluid and depth. This means that swollen joints will be reduced more easily when exercising under water.

• Temperature – Hydrotherapy pools are generally heated between 33-36degrees. Warm water allows for muscles to become more relaxed and the sensitivity of sensory nerve endings is reduced.

  
  

Hydrotherapy pools can be accessed by ambulant and non-ambulant clients. Most pools will have a ramp with a rail so that clients can safely enter and exit the pool. Some Hydrotherapy pools also have hoisting options available as well as aqua wheelchair which can be propelled into the water.

Benefits of Hydrotherapy

• Relive pain and muscle cramps

• To maintain or improve joint range of motion

• To improve circulation

• To strengthen weak muscles

• To improve balance

• To improve walking ability

• To improve endurance

• To improve cardiovascular health

Indications for Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy can benefit a lot of different conditions including, but not limited to:

• Arthritis (osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis)

• Musculoskeletal pain

• Injuries that have weight bearing limitations/restrictions

• Oedema

• Chronic pain

• Stroke

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Parkinsons Disease

• Spinal Cord Injury

• Traumatic/acquired brain injury

• Mobility and balance retraining

• Lymphodoema

Considerations

It is important to remember that there are several precautions and contraindications which need to be considered before commencing Hydrotherapy. It is important to discuss Hydrotherapy with your GP to ensure you are allowed prior to commencing.

Precautions

- Fever

- Respiratory conditions (Cold, Influenza)

- Incontinence

- Cardiovascular Disease

- Diabetes

- Previous CVA

- Epilepsy

Contraindications

- Open wounds

- Recent surgery

- Urinary Tract Infection

- Hepatitis

- Contagious infections

- Radiotherapy sites

- Hydrophobia

- Acute inflammatory conditions

- Heat sensitivity conditions

If you or someone you know are thinking about commencing Hydrotherapy, give us a call and find out how today.