What is Aquatic Physiotherapy (Hydrotherapy)?
Aquatic Physiotherapy, also known as Hydrotherapy, is a physiotherapy treatment conducted in a warm water environment. It involves an individual assessment, diagnosis, development of a personalised treatment program, and instruction in correct technique. Reassessments are completed periodically, with goal-driven outcome measures recorded.
Similar to land-based treatment, Hydrotherapy aims to support the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary and psychological conditions. It can be used to improve, maintain or prevent deterioration in strength and function. Sessions may be delivered as individual 1:1 treatments or within a group setting, and are often used alongside land-based rehabilitation.
Due to the unique properties of water, including buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, viscosity and thermodynamics, Hydrotherapy offers a wide range of benefits. As a result, it can be suitable for a broad range of client populations. Overall, the aquatic environment is empowering, supporting freedom of movement, independence and function.
Other Beneficial Effects
- Increased exercise capacity and fitness
- Pain management
- Improved balance
- Enhanced core stability and trunk strength
- Maintenance of joint range and flexibility
- Increased muscle strength and function
- Improved coordination
- Reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases
- Progressive weight-bearing
- Gait re-education
- Early rehabilitation
- Improved posture
- Increased wellbeing and mental resilience
Conditions and Injuries Hydrotherapy Can Help With
- Orthopaedic rehabilitation (e.g. joint replacements, fractures)
- Chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions, cardiac disease, COPD)
- Neurological conditions (e.g. MS, Parkinson’s Disease, Cerebral Palsy, TBI)
- Stroke rehabilitation
- ADHD (particularly in children)
- Osteoporosis
- Joint disease (e.g. arthritis)
- Sporting injuries and stress fractures
- Upper limb rehabilitation (e.g. rotator cuff surgery)
- Pre-operative preparation
- Multi-trauma (e.g. motor vehicle or workplace injuries)
How Does Hydrotherapy Work?
- Enjoyable environment → higher adherence, motivation and social engagement
- Buoyancy → reduced load on joints and body weight
- Reduced fear of falling → increased confidence
- Safe environment → supports mobility and function
- Promotes cerebral blood flow → improved brain health and reduced cognitive decline
- Enhances cognitive engagement → improved attention and flexibility
- Water properties → both supportive and resistive
- Warmth → pain relief, reduced stiffness and relaxation
- Group setting → improved social connection, wellbeing and mental health
What's The Next Step?
An initial consultation in the clinic is required prior to commencing Aquatic Physiotherapy. This ensures suitability through a thorough medical history, baseline testing of meaningful physical outcome measures, and the development of client-driven goals and an individualised aquatic exercise program.
We generally recommend at least two one-on-one Aquatic Physiotherapy sessions to help clients feel confident with their program. Following this, clients may choose to continue independently, with regular reviews for reassessment and progression.
References
Barker AL, Talevski J, Morello RT, Brand CA, Rahmann AE, Urquhart DM. (2014). Effectiveness of aquatic exercise for musculoskeletal conditions: a meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. Sep 1;95(9):1776-86.
Becker BE. (2009) Aquatic therapy: scientific foundations and clinical rehabilitation applications. PMR;1(9):859-72.
Carter, H. H., Spence, A. L., Pugh, C. J. A., Ainslie, P., Naylor, L. H., & Green, D. J. (2014). Cardiovascular responses to water immersion in humans: impact on cerebral perfusion. American journal of physiology. Regulatory, integrative and comparative physiology, 306(9), R636-R640. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00516.2013
Chae CS, Jun JH, Im S, Jang Y, Park GY (2020) Effectiveness of Hydrotherapy on Balance and Paretic Knee Strength in Patients With Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, May;99(5):409-419. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000001357
Cole A, Becker B. Comprehensive Aquatic Therapy. 2006. Butterworth-Heinemann, 2006.