What is hydrotherapy and is it just for old people?
Hydrotherapy definitely isn’t just for old people as it is used to treat a number of different conditions such as arthritis, general joint pain/low back pain, sports injuries, post hip/knee replacement, pregnancy related conditions, rehabilitation post-surgery and is very useful for the recovery of athletes. The water temperature is generally warmer than your typical swimming pool (33-36 degrees is suggested for hyrdo), although hydrotherapy can be completed in cold water for different effects.
Hydrotherapy is the use of water (pools/beaches/spas) in the form of treatment, it generally runs under the guidance of a trained health care professional (physio/exercise physiologist) or a qualified personal trainer. The sessions held in the warmer water usually focus on slow controlled movements to assist in increasing blood flow and improving circulation. This increase in blood flow helps to heal injured tissues and rehabilitate damaged muscles or joints – aimed at the older population and people suffering injuries. Hydro also has the ability for people to perform movements they usually wouldn’t be able to do if they weren’t in a pool, this is due to the buoyancy effect of the water and making them feel ‘lighter’, which in turn allows them to move with lesser pain. The sessions held in the cooler water usually aim on recovery, so for your footy players after a game; it will assist in muscle repair and reduction in inflammation.
BENEFITS:
- Minimize aches and pains
- Gains strength
- Increases flexibility
- Improves general fitness
So as you can see, hydrotherapy is useful for almost anyone and should be used in conjunction with other treatment modalities (osteo/physio/exercise rehab) in the successful treatment/progression in any general aches and pains you may be experiencing.
You can contact us at reception@korewellness.com.au or call us on 8382 1838 for any membership or passes available for pool use.
By Olivia White
