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Introduction to Hydrotherapy The therapeutic benefits of water have been known for millennia. The ancient Greeks believed that water contained the essence of life and was the secret to good health, no Roman city was complete without one of their famous baths, and people have flocked to the water at Lourdes to be cured from ailments and disease for hundreds of years. Hydrotherapy treatment uses the properties of the warmth of the water, its buoyancy, and resistance to a therapeutic advantage. The warmth of the water increases the flow of blood to the muscles which eases stiffness, reduces pain and encourages movement which is often not possible out of the water. The buoyancy reduces weight bearing through the body and can therefore provide assistance to movement. Conversely the resistance of the water can be used to make movement more difficult, these properties allow exercises to be graded from very gentle to quite strenuous. Also because of the warmth and the peace and quiet of not having to share the pool with anyone else, using the hydrotherapy pool can be both mentally and physically relaxing.
Click here for some Common Reasons to Use The Hydrotherapy Pool
Hydrotherapy at The Physiotherapy Centre The Physiotherapy Centre has the only private hydrotherapy pool in the Portsmouth area. It measures 3x5m and is 1- 1.3m deep. The water is kept at approximately 36 degrees C (body temperature). During treatment sessions we only use the pool on a one-to-one basis, therefore the sessions are completely private and individual. Because of this many people who are nervous of water or dislike the hustle and bustle in public swimming baths often thoroughly enjoy their treatment sessions. A thorough assessment is made out of the water initially to establish your diagnosis and aims of treatment, using both long and short term goals. Due to the nature of the warm buoyant water it is common to do more exercise and movement than is normally possible on land and therefore precaution is needed not to 'over do it' on the first session. Each hydrotherapy treatment programme is carefully tailored to each patient, and is constantly re-assessed, with the views of the patient paramount. If appropriate we encourage patients who benefit from hydrotherapy and feel confident and safe getting in and out of the pool to continue to use the pool independently once their supervised treatment sessions have completed. Again, this is on an individual basis and you do not have to share the pool. This is a very popular option, and many patients continue using the pool for months or years in an effort to maintain their improved health. In the pool area there are three changing cubicles and a shower, and just outside the pool room are toilets, including a large disabled toilet. The pool is accessed by three ‘up-and-over’ steps on each side, which most people negotiate with ease, however we also have a sling hoist for those who can not use the steps. As we do not have any physiotherapy assistants it is important that if patients can not dress or transfer independently that a family member, friend or carer accompany them to help. If you are interested in using the hydrotherapy pool please mention this when you ring to book an appointment. We also encourage people to view the pool prior to booking if they have any concerns, this should be done by arranging a time in advance for one of the reception staff to show you our facilities. |
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