Hydrotherapy

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy (water therapy) combines the benefits of a non weight bearing environment with the healing and relaxing properties of warm water. There are very few musculo-skeletal conditions that would not benefit from exercising in warm water. The buoyancy of the water allows you to perform movements and exercises that may be too difficult for you to perform on land. Painful joints are able to move through an increased range and weak muscles can be used more efficiently. Floats and bands can be used effectively to increase resistance and improve muscle strength.

Balance exercises can be performed with no risk of falling. Cardiovascular fitness can be improved. If you are partial or non weight bearing using crutches on land, exercising in water may allow you to start putting weight through your leg without pain or fear of falling.

What can hydro help?

Conditions suitable for hydrotherapy include:

• Back and neck pain
• Shoulder pain and stiffness
• Post op orthopaedic surgery
• Post op joint replacement (hip, knee, shoulder)
• Post op spinal surgery
• Sporting injuries rehabilitation
• Arthritis
• General strengthening, flexibility, fitness and balance retraining

All Move Forward clinics offer hydrotherapy services in a heated pool supervised by a physiotherapist experienced in exercise prescription in water. You will be assessed in a Move Forward clinic by a physiotherapist prior to referral to a Move Forward hydrotherapy session and a program will be tailored to your individual needs.

For more information please speak to one of our friendly Physio staff at any of our locations.