Hydrotherapy is a non-surgical treatment carried out in a dedicated warm pool, using the buoyancy, resistance and warmth of water to support rehabilitation. Its aim is to ease pain and improve joint movement and muscle strength while reducing the load on the body.
Sessions are supervised by a physiotherapist and include walking, stretching, strengthening and balance exercises in comfortably warm water. Buoyancy takes body weight off the joints and spine, while the water's resistance strengthens muscles gently. The treatment needs no anaesthesia and no surgical incisions.
A session usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes and is repeated two or three times a week, for a period that varies with the condition. Many people feel relief after the first sessions, and functional improvement usually appears gradually over several weeks with a consistent programme.
The final cost is set after a medical consultant reviews your case and photos.
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It can help ease pain and stiffness and improve flexibility, strength and balance, because water reduces pressure on the joints. It therefore often suits people who find exercise on land difficult.
It suits people with joint or back pain, those recovering from injuries or orthopaedic surgery, and anyone needing gentle rehabilitation. It is not suitable in some situations, such as active infection, open wounds, or unstable heart or breathing conditions. The doctor decides.
Bring swimwear and a towel, and avoid heavy meals one to two hours beforehand. Tell the team about your medicines and any allergy, skin problem or heart condition.
It takes place in the pool under a specialist who guides you through suitable exercises and gradually increases the difficulty. Floats or resistance equipment may be used to make movement easier.
There is no long recovery period, although you may feel mild muscle tiredness or sleepiness afterwards. Resting, drinking fluids and drying the body well are advised.
Some patients notice relief straight after the first sessions, followed by gradual improvement in movement over several weeks. The benefit generally lasts as long as you keep up the exercises and stay active.
Risks are few and include dizziness, tiredness, skin irritation from pool disinfectants, and slipping around the pool. The team monitors you throughout the session to limit these.
No. Exercises are usually done in shallow water or with floatation aids, under supervision. What matters is that you feel comfortable in the water.
This depends on the number of sessions prescribed and your condition, and the sessions may be completed within days or weeks. Your treating doctor will confirm the right duration and travel date.
Yes, the two are often combined in a rehabilitation programme. The team decides on the mix that suits your condition.
