What is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy, also known as aqua therapy, is the use of water in the treatment of different conditions, including arthritis and related rheumatic conditions.
DOC Hydrotherapy differs from swimming because it involves special exercises that you do in a warm-water hydrotherapy pool and/or a water walker. The water temperature is usually 29-34 ºC, which is warmer than a typical swimming pool.
You do not have to be able to swim to benefit from hydrotherapy. The pool is usually quite shallow (about chest height), so you can exercise well within your depth. Here in DOC Medical Center, it is always a priority to ensure patient safety and comfort. There will always be a member of the healthcare team present, usually a physiotherapist and/or an assistant throughout the treatment.
DOC Hydrotherapy differs from swimming because it involves special exercises that you do in a warm-water hydrotherapy pool and/or a water walker. The water temperature is usually 29-34 ºC, which is warmer than a typical swimming pool.
You do not have to be able to swim to benefit from hydrotherapy. The pool is usually quite shallow (about chest height), so you can exercise well within your depth. Here in DOC Medical Center, it is always a priority to ensure patient safety and comfort. There will always be a member of the healthcare team present, usually a physiotherapist and/or an assistant throughout the treatment.
What are the conditions helped by Aqua Therapy?
- Musculoskeletal: Whether sport related, or age related, hydrotherapy can help improve function following a musculoskeletal injury
- Chronic pain: Aquatherapy reduces pain by promoting normal movement, increasing muscle length, and increasing muscle strength and control.
- Neurological: Aquatherapy is also used to reduce muscle spasm in patients with severe traumatic brain injury and increase strength in many neurological conditions.
- Cardiological: Aquatherapy can be used to enhance muscular and cardiopulmonary endurance for the elderly.
What are the benefits of Aquatherapy?
- The warmth of the water allows your muscles to relax and eases the pain in your joints, helping you to exercise.
- The water supports your weight, which helps to relieve pain and increase the range of movement of your joints.
- The water can be used to provide resistance to moving your joints. By pushing your arms and legs against the water, you can also improve your muscle strength.