The low-impact nature of hydrotherapy makes it one of the most successful treatments available for bones and muscles, soothing the body in a number of ways. So what exactly are the benefits of hydrotherapy and why should you try it?

How Does It Work?

The warm water in hydrotherapy supports the body, improves stability, provides resistance for strength training, promotes circulation, helps muscle relaxation and decreases pain. Hydrotherapy can be used in isolation or in conjunction with other rehabilitation programs.

Often it is used as a stepping-stone for clients to progress to a land-based exercise program. Patients who engage in hydrotherapy for an injury or condition generally start therapy earlier and recover faster than other treatments. Hydrotherapy greatly reduces pain and muscle spasms and decreases joint stress. At the same time, it increases strength and range of movement, improves balance and coordination and increases your feeling of achievement even in the acute stages of rehabilitation.

Which Conditions Benefit From Hydrotherapy?

Some of the many conditions that benefit from hydrotherapy include:

  • Shoulder and back pain (where inflammation is not present)
  • Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Following surgery for conditions such as knee and hip replacements, ACL reconstruction, frozen shoulder or following shoulder surgery.
  • Neurological conditions including Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, and Multiple Sclerosis
  • Sports injuries such as ankle sprains, groin strains and to maintain fitness whilst injured

Benefits for Your Health Systems

Insomnia and Stress: Unlike the use of prescription sleeping pills, hydrotherapy is an effective natural sleep aid that helps the body relax and unwind on its own, leading to more restful sleep.

Circulatory System: Hydrotherapy increases blood circulation, including circulation of the immune system’s white blood cells. The heat and massage action of hydrotherapy help blood flow more easily, thus relieving tension headaches and soothing stress-prone areas like the neck, shoulders and lower back.

Muscular and Skeletal Systems: Sore muscles, lower back pain and aching joints all stand to benefit from the heated water massage of hydrotherapy. These treatments are often recommended by doctors for those people suffering from sports related injuries or strains. The Arthritis Foundation also recommends hydrotherapy as a means to help those with stiff joints regain mobility and ease discomfort.

Respiratory System: The moist heat associated with the water used in hydrotherapy is often beneficial to those suffering from respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, congestion and asthma.

Digestive and Immune Systems: Improved circulation results in a more effective digestive progress. Hydrotherapy supplies fresh nutrients and oxygen to injured tissue and helps with the removal of waste products. Wastes and other toxins are more easily eliminated, and lymph is moved more efficiently through the body.

Hydrotherapy in Adelaide

All Aim Physiotherapy hydrotherapy classes are run by our qualified physiotherapists in Adelaide, and are held at the Royal Society for the Blind pool in Gilles Plains. For more information, contact us today and one of our friendly staff members will be able to assist you.