We are pleased to announce that here at The Physio Hub we are now running a hydrotherapy service!
What is Hydrotherapy?
‘Hydrotherapy’ also known as ‘Aquatic Therapy’ involves therapy with the use of water/hydrotherapy pool as a treatment intervention.
Hydrotherapy is defined as:
” A physiotherapy program utilising the properties of water, designed by a suitably qualified Physiotherapist. The program should be specific for an indivdual to maximise function, which can be physical, physiological, or psychological. Treatments should be carried out by appropriately trained personnel, ideally in a purpose built, and suitably heated Aquatic Physiotherapy Pool“
(ATACP 2014)
Hydrotherapy pools are heated to a constant temperature of between 34 and 35 degrees to allow maximum physiological benefits. Hydrotherapy reduces the load on the joints and can be used to increase joint range of movement, stability and muscle strength in a warm environment. Hydrotherapy can also be effective in improving general mobility, balance and core stability.
So what are the benefits?
There are a number of benefits which can be both physical and psychological.
Therapeutic effects of exercise in the water:
- Pain Relief
- Maintenance or an increase in joint range of movement
- Increase in muscle strength
- Re-education of movement patterns
- Improvements in circulation
- Encouragement of functional activities
- Maintenance and improvements of balance
- Maintenance and improvments of co-ordination
Can my child access hydrotherapy and land based therapy?
Yes, hydrotherapy can be used in conjunction to land based therapies. The water provides an environment to allow specific movements which are often difficult to gain in a land based session.
Does my child need to be able to swim?
No, your child doesn’t need to be able to swim to access the hydrotherapy pool. Your child will be supervised by a therapist at all times. The sessions are ran on a 1:1 basis, dependent on client need.
How long will the sessions be?
Hydrotherapy sessions usually last between 25-30 minutes (this is time in the water) but this is dependent on a childs individual needs.
What assessments will take place?
The hydrotherapy sessions will take place 8 weeks of x1 session per week. We will run the sessions in 8 week blocks. An initial land based assessment will take place prior to sessions in the pool. Details of relevant medical information will be assessed, as most importantly we need to assess if the hydrotherapy pool is appropriate for your child. On completion of a block course of hydrotherapy, a dry land review will take place to review outcome measures and goals set on initial assessment.
“Hydrotherapy is fun and gives children freedom of movement only experienced in warm water”
We currently have time slots available!
Please contact clinic to speak to a member of our team on: 01429 872722.
Our sessions are currently taking place at the Pioneering Care Centre in Newton Aycliffe. The centre has great facilities with wheelchair access and changing facilities. The hydrotherapy pool has seated hoist access and also a ceiling track hoist to enter the pool.
If you require any futher information regarding this service or would like to speak to a therapist regarding hydrotherapy for your child, then please do not hesitate to contact clinic.