Hydrotherapy is a form of therapeutic exercise conducted in warm water under the supervision of a physiotherapist. By using the water’s buoyancy, you can complete pain-free movements that can assist in restoring your function and range of movement.
The exercises performed in the warm water is significantly different from conventional swimming and aqua aerobics. This is because each of the exercises and movements are catered for each individual client to address their goals and needs.
Hydrotherapy is ideal for people with chronic disease, postoperative surgery and general immobility. This is because one of the major benefits of this type of therapy is that the exercise occurs in an environment that reduces the load on weight-bearing joints.
How Does Hydrotherapy Work?
Hydrotherapy relies on its mechanical and thermal effects, in order to induce healing. It takes advantage of the body’s reaction to the warm water, the pressure exerted by water as well as the sensation of the water.
When this happens, these sensations stimulate the body by improving circulation and blood flow. Quite often the heat is used to soothe and quiet the body and to reduce the body’s sensitivity to pain.
Additionally, when you are submerged in water you experience weightlessness. With hydrotherapy it is possible to experience up to 90% of reduction in body weight and 100% reduction of joint load. In addition, water induces a hydrostatic effect, as well as massage-like feeling, as it kneads your body. Moving water stimulates the skin’s touch receptors. This effect increases blood while releasing tight muscles.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy can have the following benefits for our clients.
Reduces load bearing on joints
Reduces muscle aches and tightness
Reduces pain
Increases muscle strength
Improves cardiovascular fitness
Improves balance and reduces falls risk
Improves range of motion and overall mobility
Improves well-being and overall health
Re-education of functional activities
Is Hydrotherapy the Right Treatment for You?
Some of the many conditions that benefit from hydrotherapy include:
Shoulder and back pain
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Neurological conditions including Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Sclerosis
Joint replacements and other post-operative conditions
Single and Bilateral amputee
Impaired balance and risk of falling
Sports injuries
Hydrotherapy is also suitable for people who want to improve their overall health and general fitness.
Before starting your hydrotherapy sessions, our physiotherapist will first have an appointment at the clinics. This allow us to fully understand your needs, fitness levels, set the right goals and develop a program tailored for you to ensure you will get the most out of each session.
If you feel hydrotherapy may help you, please make an appointment with one of our expert physios here at Breathe. Book here or give us a call at (07) 3061 7128