What is hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy or aquatic physiotherapy is movement or exercises performed in a warm pool with a trained physiotherapist. Each individual should have an individualized, exercise program to address the main problem areas or functional difficulties. The pressure of the water can either assist movement by decreasing compressive loads from gravitational forces and/or further increase ranges of motion (Barker et al., 2014). Furthermore, it can also resist movement for strengthening purposes depending on the presenting condition (Barker et al., 2014). Thus, this allows physiotherapists to provide an appropriate level of intensity for each person. In addition, evidence has suggested the warmth of the water aids in pain relief (Barker et al., 2014).
What are the benefits of hydrotherapy?
Research has suggested that hydrotherapy provides therapeutic effects such as pain relief, reduction in swelling, improvements in daily function, prevention of de-conditioning, self-efficacy, joint mobility, strength and balance (Geytenbeek, 2002).
Is hydrotherapy suitable for you?
Hydrotherapy can be suitable for a widespread of conditions and different age groups. Before commencing with hydrotherapy, make sure that you have been cleared by your surgeon or general practitioner (GP) for any unstable medical conditions or surgical wounds. Your physiotherapist at Back In Motion Clayton will also perform a land-based screening to develop a personal exercise program.
Common conditions recommended for hydrotherapy include hip or knee arthritis/ joint replacements, other arthritis, sarcopenia, fibromyalgia and low back pain (Geytenbeek, 2008). Neurological conditions include Parkinson’s Disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury (Geytenbeek, 2008). Other populations include pregnant women, paediatrics and cardiorespiratory conditions (Geytenbeek, 2008).
Exercises can be performed at a different depth to accommodate those who have a fear of water. Physiotherapists can also guide you closely if there are other fears or limitations. Furthermore, provision of light intensity exercises may also suit those who have a lower cardiovascular fitness (Barker et al., 2014).
What is a typical hydrotherapy program?
As mentioned previously, each individual will have a catered exercise routine. Most plans will include exercises for warm-up, resistance training, aerobic training and cool down. For persons who need assistance, the physiotherapist will gladly provide the help where needed in the pool. Programs often run for a 6-12 week period in adjunct with a land-based program, but are not subjected to this time-frame. For chronic or long-standing conditions, individuals are encouraged to adapt an independent program to self-manage when appropriate.
Where are hydrotherapy classes?
At Back In Motion Clayton, we run supervised hydrotherapy sessions at Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (200 E Boundary Road, Bentleigh East) every Wednesday from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m.
At this location, there are different access options to provide assistance for any person including steps with rails, ramps, and/or a hoist.
Book now for an initial assessment or enquire further at Back In Motion Clayton Physiotherapy (03) 9544-8815.
Christina Li - Physiotherapist - Back In Motion Clayton
References
- Barker, A. L., Talevski, J., Morello, R. T., Brand, C. A., Rahmann, A. E., & Urquhart, M. (2014). Effectiveness of aquatic exercise for musculoskeletal conditions: A meta- analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 95(9), 1776-86.
- Bartels, E. M., Juhl, C.B., Christensen, R., Hagen, K. B., Danneskiold-Samsoe, B., Dagfinrud, H., & Lund, H. (2016). Aquatic exercise for the treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3, 1-67.
- Geytenbeek, J. (2002). Evidence for Effective Hydrotherapy. Physiotherapy, 88(9), 514-529.
- Geytenbeek, J. (2008). The APA Aquatic Physiotherapy Evidence-based Practice Guide (2008).
- Retrieved fromhttp://physiotherapy.asn.au/groups/animal-physiotherapy/aquatic-physiotherapy/resources-clinical.