Hydrotherapy- the therapeutic way to exercise
The first step to making exercise a regular part of your lifestyle is to do something you enjoy. Not everyone enjoys walking or going to the gym. Some people would like to walk but their knees, back or hips suffer for days afterwards. If you’re one of these people, then hydrotherapy is just for you!
Hydrotherapy is defined as heated pool therapy designed for individuals to improve muscle function and movement. It is normally conducted and supervised by qualified physiotherapists or exercise physiologists in a specifically built hydrotherapy pool of water temperature 28 to 36 degrees. Programs don’t necessarily have to be supervised, patients can have individually tailored programs that they complete independently at a time convenient to them.
The buoyancy of water changes the weight bearing effects of gravity, making us lighter in the water and in most cases, making movement easier. Water buoyancy decreases muscle spasms and the hydrostatic pressure in the water relieves stress on all joints.
Exercise in the water is widely accepted as a beneficial and cost-effective method.
Benefits of hydrotherapy:
Pain reduction
Decreases muscle spasm
Easier movements for heavy adults
Decreases swelling and increases circulation
Increases joint range of movement and flexibility
Increases muscle strength
Assists with balance
Assists with co-ordination (easy movement without fear of falling)
Re-education of function
Postural control
Increase fitness
Relaxation
Contact our Exercise Physiologist, Hannah to discuss hydrotherapy further with one-on-one sessions and group times available.
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