Aquatic Therapy for adults and children
Information for patients, parents, guardians, and carers
What is Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic Therapy (formerly hydrotherapy) can be described as “exercise in water”.
The exercises carried out in the Aquatic Therapy pool are not the same as the exercises you carry out at home. The Aquatic Therapy exercises are modified to use the properties of the water.
Why have I been recommended for Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic Therapy can help a variety of musculoskeletal, neurological, and rheumatological conditions. The specific benefits are listed below.
Pain relief.
Reduction of muscle spasm.
Increased range of joint movement.
Improved muscle strength and balance.
Learning to walk again.
Relaxation.
Play based exercises (children).
Your physiotherapist will refer you for Aquatic Therapy. They will explain why they have recommended this treatment for you. You will then decide whether you would like to continue with this as a treatment option.
If for any reason (such as fear of water) you feel this therapy is not for you, we can often use other physiotherapy treatments. Alternative options can include gym based classes or individual exercises. Being unable to swim is not a problem as our pool is not deep. Armbands are available for children.
Although most patients are eligible, there are a few medical conditions that would stop you having Aquatic Therapy. Your physiotherapist will complete a health screening form with you.
Are there any side effects to Aquatic Therapy?
General tiredness, due to the warm temperature in the pool and surrounding area.
Dehydration, due to the warm temperature in the pool and surrounding area.
Increase in pain / aching after a session. To limit the chances of this happening, staff will slowly increase the exercises in your programme.
What should I do before my Aquatic Therapy appointment?
Eat a light snack 1 to 2 hours before your appointment.
Do not drink any alcohol in the 12 hours before your Aquatic Therapy session.
Staff will ask you to have a shower in the Aquatic Therapy Department before entering the pool. You must also have a shower and change into your swimwear before leaving home.
The hospital will provide towels, or you can bring your own.
Continue with any land exercises that your physiotherapist has recommended. Do these exercises at home, during the time you come to Aquatic Therapy. Doing both lots of exercises will help your recovery.
Please bring any medication you may need. For example asthma pumps and diabetic medication.
What should I expect at my appointment?
When you arrive at the Physiotherapy Department book in at reception. A physiotherapist will come and bring you through to the Aquatic Therapy Department.
Shower before entering and after leaving the pool. Hoists, and changing and shower facilities are available at all pools.
The water temperature is 32 to 35.5°C.
Pool sessions are for men and women, and are run by male and female therapists.
All patients are given 15 to 20 minutes of therapist help and supervision, as needed.
The floor surfaces in the pool area can be slippery. Patients using walking aids will need to use the Aquatic Therapy walking frames in the pool area.
Relatives / Carers / Friends should stay outside the pool area. If you want them to come with you to the pool, please discuss this with staff.
Parents of young children having Aquatic Therapy will be allowed into the pool area.
How many Aquatic Therapy sessions will I have?
We will offer you up to three sessions in our pool.
Can I continue with my exercises in a local pool?
Yes. We expect you to continue your exercises on your own in your local swimming pool.
You can start using a local pool whilst having Aquatic Therapy. However, wait and discuss this with your physiotherapist first. Before you start using your local pool, your physiotherapist needs to:
teach you the appropriate exercises for your condition; and
tell you how much pool based exercise you should complete.
If you have any problems with exercising in your local pool, please discuss this with:
your physiotherapist if you are still receiving treatment; or
your GP if you have completed your physiotherapy treatment.
Further information
If you have any questions, please speak with your physiotherapist. Alternatively, contact the Physiotherapy Department on 01227 783065.
In an emergency you must leave the pool immediately and assemble where advised, as instructed by your physiotherapist.
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Patient Voice Team
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