Looking for Hydrotherapy in Brisbane's West?
What Is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is the use of water (most commonly in a heated pool) for health promotion and management of numerous conditions, such as:
- Osteoarthritis
- Post-surgery
- Neurological conditions
- Fibromyalgia
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Musculoskeletal conditions, including the – back, hips, knees and ankles.
- Respiratory diseases
- Heart diseases
- Fatigue and anxiety.
It produced different effects on various systems of the body depending on the temperature of the water. The water’s buoyancy decreases the effects of gravity on the body and thereby offloads your bodyweight in the pool. Pool-based exercises are often less arduous than land-based exercises and allows controlled, full pain-free range of movement. Akin to any other exercise program provided, all movements will be designed and tailored to meet your individual needs and goals.
Pool-based exercises are often less arduous than land-based exercises and allows controlled, full pain-free range of movement.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy
Reduced bodyweight load:
Standing on waist deep water reduces your perceived bodyweight load by roughly 50%. For example, an 80kg person standing in waist deep water would have only 40kg of load through their body. 90% of your bodyweight is off-loaded in neck deep water. This allows exercises to be performed that otherwise may be too painful or strenuous on the land.
Improved muscle strength:
Despite hydrotherapy off-loading stress and strain on the joints, water can provide a strong resistance to exercise weak muscles. Adjusting the water level practiced in and using different pieces of equipment can further challenge the muscles.
Improved cardiovascular fitness:
If walking, running or cycling on land if too difficult to manage at this stage, high intensity low impact aerobic training can be practiced in the pool.
Improved balance:
Water provides a safe and supportive environment to train balance exercises that otherwise may seem too frightening on land. The water itself provides an external stimulus to challenge you further!
Other benefits include: increased circulation, gait re-training, stress relief, reduced muscle aches, improved mobility, reduced swelling.
Always be cleared by your doctor or physiotherapist prior to attending hydrotherapy to ensure hydrotherapy is appropriate for you or whether additional safety precautions are required.
Please note an in-clinic assessment is required before commencing hydrotherapy.
Hydrotherapy is available with Target Physio’s Physiotherapists at Bellbowrie Pool:
Tuesdays 10.30 – 1.00
Thursdays 10.30 – 1.00
