What is hydrotherapy, and how does it differ from swimming?

Swimming itself has many health benefits. It is enjoyable and it particularly helps people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders because the water supports their joints while they are exercising. Some swimming pools reserve special entry times for people with joint problems.

Hydrotherapy is the use of water in the treatment of a range of conditions, including arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders. Hydrotherapy differs from swimming because it involves special exercises which take place in a warm-water pool, usually within a purpose built centre. The water temperature is usually 33–37ºC, which is much warmer than normal swimming pools.

People who might benefit from hydrotherapy are referred by their doctor or rheumatology nurse specialist to a physiotherapist, who then decides if hydrotherapy is a suitable treatment. Not all physiotherapy departments have a hydrotherapy pool, so you may have to travel to another hospital for treatment.

What are the benefits of hydrotherapy?

The warm temperature of the water allows your muscles to relax and eases the pain in your joints. This makes it easier to exercise.

The water supports your weight. This helps to relieve pain in your joints and can also increase the range of movement of your joints. By pushing your arms and legs against the water you can also improve your muscle strength.

Who benefits most from hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy can greatly benefit the following: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sports Injuries, Neurological Conditions, Strokes, Post surgical rehabilitation, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Usually people who have arthritis in several joints find most benefit from hydrotherapy. This is because all the joints can be exercised easily in the warm supportive water. Hydrotherapy also helps people who feel pain when walking, since the water provides extra support.

Hydrotherapy is sometimes used after joint replacement surgery and for people with back pain or ankylosing spondylitis.

What happens on my first appointment?

You will be seen by our physiotherapist.  The physiotherapist will ask you about your general health and about your condition and the problems resulting from it. Using this information and the information provided by the doctor, the physiotherapist will then decide whether hydrotherapy is appropriate for you. The initial meeting will take approximately 30–45 minutes. If a course of hydrotherapy is agreed, you will probably have five or six sessions of about 30 minutes each. You might not go in the water on your first appointment.

What will I need?

You will usually need to take your own swimming costume and towel.

What if I can't swim?

You do not have to be able to swim to have hydrotherapy. The pool is quite shallow, so you can exercise well within your depth. Buoyancy aids are also available, and there will always be a physiotherapist in the pool and an assistant on the side of the pool. Even if you are worried about water, you should try hydrotherapy if it has been recommended by your physiotherapist. Most people find the warm water very soothing and enjoyable.

How do I get into the pool?

To get into the pool you need to climb down a few steps. For people who cannot manage steps there is an access ramp with a very gradual gradient designed to make entering the pool as pleasant and easy an experience as possible. Our pool has a constant depth of 1.2m. There are also gripper tiles and hand rails around the edge of the pool for extra support.

What are the side-effects of hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is one of the safest treatments for arthritis and back pain. The warmth of the water and the exercise may make you feel tired after treatment. This is normal.

When is hydrotherapy not appropriate?

With certain medical conditions hydrotherapy may not be suitable. These include:

Please tell the physiotherapist if you have any of the above conditions. If you have any questions or doubts you should also discuss these with your own physiotherapist. If you feel unwell on the day of your hydrotherapy appointment you should contact us on the following No: 01382 813569.