Hydropathy is a natural, non-invasive and drug-free therapy that can relieve chronic pain and arthritic symptoms. It stimulates the body’s natural healing process by using water to alleviate joint pain and inflammation.
Historically, it was used for various purposes, such as healing wounds, easing pain, and preventing illness. With modern medicine and science, we know that hydrotherapy is an excellent tool to help with physiotherapy, muscle and joint disorders, and weight loss and may even help with some psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression.
The basic idea behind hydrotherapy is immersing your body in a warm water pool and then allowing the heat of the water to improve blood flow, decrease muscle tension and improve mobility. The water pressure has added benefits, including reducing overall stress, decreasing swelling and providing pain relief.
Hydrotherapy can treat a wide range of conditions, from acute (recent) injuries to more chronic (long-term) ones. It is an excellent tool for rehabbing a new injury or recovering from some pre-existing ones. The benefit of having a low body weight and less tension through the body can make getting back into exercise a much less painful and challenging experience!
It can include muscle and joint injuries such as:
Hydrotherapy has the added benefit of being an excellent modality for improving sensory input for clients or individuals born with a disability. This can include physical disabilities, psychological or mental disabilities. Clients are encouraged to find a trained hydrotherapy provider experienced in understanding the client or participants’ comfort, access and preferences when providing hydrotherapy treatment.
Conditions that we provide hydrotherapy for include:
If you are an NDIS participant or support coordinator and want to explore hydrotherapy for you or your participant, please make a referral via the button below!
There are certain conditions that would limit your ability to participate in hydrotherapy. These include:
These specific conditions will require doctor clearance and a letter of recommendation from your GP outlining what restrictions you may need to undertake prior to going into the pool.
There are many benefits of hydrotherapy. One of the most significant claims to success is that hydrotherapy is a fantastic method of taking weight off your body. The buoyancy of the water allows for your heavy, swollen and painful limbs to be supported by the water and allows you to do exercises you usually cannot do on land.
Despite hydrotherapy seeming like it is more for older individuals performing basic rehab, it is also an excellent tool for athletes and individuals looking to build strength, power and explosiveness. Hydrostatic pressure and water friction can provide severe drag and resistance, making even simple jumps and runs a much more difficult exercise without the added joint strain and pressure!
When you attend your first hydrotherapy session, your physio may ask about your experience with hydrotherapy or water sports. Usually, in the first session, the therapy is low-intensity and provides a more initial curve to ensure that you tolerate the pool and no side effects come up. Your physiotherapist will then talk with you regarding future sessions and how to plan for your next hydrotherapy session!
Depending on your location, one of our physiotherapists may be able to assist you with your needs. An initial assessment would need to be completed at your home before the first session, before discussing with you or your representative to identify the frequency and needs. For more information, contact us via (07) 3179 6759 or email us at [email protected]
Even if you have minimal pain, hydrotherapy is still an excellent way to relieve stress, relax and allow your body some well-deserved time off!
