Hydrotherapy (thermal aquatic therapy) Therapy

The aquatic pools are heated to 34°C - the optimum temperature for muscles to relax. The water helps to provide an environment in which you may see the following benefits:

Increased joint range of motion and flexibility
Increased muscle activity and strength
Low-impact form of exercise
Increasing confidence and motivation, to complement or prior to traditional land-based exercise
What happens during the session?
During the hydrotherapy session, you'll be accompanied by an experienced aquatic physiotherapist. They will guide you through a series of movements and exercises, either working with the water or against the water to help improve your mobility and strength.

The sessions usually last for 30 minutes. This helps to maximise the effects of treatment while minimising the risks of dehydration.

Are there any side effects?
The warm temperature and exercise can make you feel a little tired after the session. It’s important to ensure you remain hydrated and drink plenty of water following the session. However it’s a safe form of exercise and there are no known serious after effects. If you have any concerns, your physiotherapist will be happy to discuss these with you.

Who can benefit from hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy can be used to treat and rehabilitate a wide range of conditions, including:

Spinal conditions
Arthritis
Sports injuries
Neurological conditions
If you are about to have or have had orthopaedic surgery
Your physiotherapist will work with you on an individualised exercise program and give you support during your treatment.

Do I need to be able to swim?
You do not need to be able to swim or get your head wet to participate in a hydrotherapy treatment session. Your physiotherapist can adapt your treatment to suit your needs, so if you’re not confident in the water, they can advise on appropriate exercises whilst keeping your feet on the floor.

Access to the pool is either by a set of steps with handrails, or by a hoist if you are unable to access the steps.