Hydrotherapy or aquatic physiotherapy is a popular modality used by physiotherapists in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions.
Specific exercises are done in a heated pool at 33° wherein the warmth of the water promotes muscle relaxation and pain relief. Exercising in water reduces the compressive forces of gravity and the buoyancy can be used to assist or resist joint movements.
In general the benefits of hydrotherapy are:
- Pain reduction
- Decreased neurological muscle tone
- Decreased muscle spasm and guarding
- Decreased swelling and improved circulation
- Increase range of movement and flexibility
- Increase muscle strength
- Decreased weight bearing forces
- Increase co-ordination and movement initiation without the fear of falling
- Increase postural control, CV fitness and respiratory fitness Relaxation
- Relaxation
Clients who will benefit from Hydrotherapy:
- Following any orthopaedic surgery (hip, knee, shoulder and spine surgery)
- Acute conditions, whiplash, work injuries, sports injuries.
- Arthritic conditions and elderly patients wanting to maintain their general fitness.