Our hydrotherapy centre is a state-of-the-art, purpose built facility.
It boasts a 40 square metre warm-water pool fitted with the latest therapy and safety equipment including flume jets, buoyancy devices and variable water depth zones. We have changing rooms with disabled access and showers.
Hydrotherapy is the use of water in the treatment of different conditions, including arthritis and related rheumatic complaints. Hydrotherapy differs from swimming because it involves special exercises done in warm water, utilising buoyancy to both assist movement and build strength.
The pool is kept at a constant temperature of 35 degrees centigrade, which is much warmer than a normal swimming pool, and has variable depths up to 1.6 metres. We have a dedicated team of cleaners and technicians to ensure water quality and hygiene are maintained at the highest possible standards.
Scientific studies have shown that hydrotherapy can improve strength and general fitness in people with various types of arthritis. The exercises are tailored to your individual needs, so you can start slowly and gradually build up your strength and flexibility.
The extra support that water provides allows you to move easier and do more exercise than normal, so your physiotherapist will advise and guide you with appropriate exercises. In general, hydrotherapy is one of the safest and most useful treatments for arthritis, back pain and following surgery. It can also be used before surgery to maintain fitness and build strength in preparation.
Hydrotherapy can help you in a number of different ways:
- 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 (Arthritis Research UK, 2015)
Hydrotherapy is beneficial regardless of how many of your joints are affected. It is used following joint replacement surgery especially for the hips and knees, or if you have back pain, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis or osteoarthritis.
If you would like to learn more and see how hydrotherapy could benefit you, call one of our team and we would be happy to discuss your treatment at a time that suits you.