Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a common and effective form of exercise therapy regularly used to treat a range of conditions. Best Physiotherapy provides hydrotherapy services within the community. Our physiotherapists are happy to discuss if hydrotherapy is beneficial for treating your condition and provide tailored hydrotherapy sessions for your needs.  We are used to travelling and organising so you let us know where you wish to go and we can figure it out from there. We have an expert team of hydrotherapy-trained physiotherapists, who can assist you to achieve your rehabilitation goals!

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, refers to training or rehabilitation that involves exercises performed in warm water. The water temperature generally sits between 32-34°C, this temperature assists in relaxing muscles, easing pain and stiffness, and improving circulation.

How does hydrotherapy help?

Hydrotherapy can be useful for a range of conditions and people. It is particularly effective for those with joint problems, those with weight bearing issues or musculoskeletal injuries, such as arthritis and spinal pain. The water is buoyant which assists in reducing pressure on joints through offloading the weight of the body. Reducing your body weight allows you to move freely without risk of joint pain or weight related aggravation. Moving in the water in a pain tolerable way, without the burden of weight can promote successful completion of a range of functional movements and improve rehabilitation training and healing.

Hydrotherapy also acts as a great strength training tool, with the resistance of the water assisting in the strengthening of muscles and improvement of your overall fitness. This can be particularly useful for fall prevention and training in a way that does not increase risk of injury.

What happens during a hydrotherapy session?

Hydrotherapy sessions vary greatly between individuals. Our physiotherapists design a highly individualised program to accommodate your goals, pain, physical limitations and any other preferences. Best Home Therapy hydrotherapy sessions are tailored to allow for functional gains in a safe way whilst still challenging you and achieving your goals.

Initial Assessment: It is particularly important for Hydrotherapy programs to establish an effective program during the initial session. During this initial assessment, our physiotherapist will do a thorough screen to ensure you are safe in the water. We will then evaluate your physical condition and determine which exercises are most appropriate for your rehabilitation goals. Once we have created your rehabilitation program, we will review it in the water and create a plan for your rehabilitation requirements ongoing.

Each session will last between 45-60 minutes, depending on your fitness level, type of session (initial or other) and rehabilitation requirements. Generally, sessions will follow a program of: 1) Warm-up, 2) exercises, and 3) recovery/ cool-down. Importantly you will be supervised by a physiotherapist who will guide you through every individual exercise to always ensure that you maintain proper form and technique.

We ensure that you have a unique program which, once you are safe, you can use ongoing to achieve a range of your goals. Our physiotherapists will also monitor your progress through the sessions and provide appropriate progressions to help you achieve your goals as soon as possible!

What are the benefits of physiotherapy-led hydrotherapy?

1. Pain relief: Hydrotherapy can help alleviate pain and stiffness, making it easier to move and perform daily activities. 
2. Weightless exercise: Depending on the depth of water, hydrotherapy can reduce the weight going through each joint by up to 90%. This allows for you to perform movements you may not be able to perform on land which can streamline your recovery.
3. Improved balance and coordination: The water provides a stable and safe environment, making it easier to perform exercises that challenge balance and coordination.
4. Relaxation: The warm water can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
5. Improved mobility: The buoyancy of the water reduces pressure on the joints, allowing you to move more freely through the water.
6. Increased strength: The resistance provided by the water can help to strengthen muscles and improve overall fitness.

Who can benefit from physiotherapy-led hydrotherapy?

Physiotherapy-led hydrotherapy can benefit a wide range of patients, including those with:

1. Arthritis
2. Musculoskeletal injuries
3. General fitness and wellness goals
4. Post-surgical rehabilitation
5. Neurological conditions
6. Chronic pain
7. Sports injuries
8. Balance and coordination problems

Best Physiotherapy guided hydrotherapy sessions are tailored and individualised. We will provide a safe, fun, friendly, evidence-based service that is tailored to meet your individual goals! Contact Best Physiotherapy at 72 Maribyrnong Street, Footscray, and let’s get you started on your road to recovery!