Aquatic therapy (hydrotherapy)

Physiotherapy in the water, used to aid recovery from surgery or injury.

Aquatic therapy, formerly known as hydrotherapy, is a form of physiotherapy treatment performed in a hydrotherapy pool which uses the properties of warm water kept between 34.5 – 35.5°C to benefit a wide range of conditions. Our hydrotherapy pool is located within the physiotherapy department and we offer a range of individual and group sessions.

Why consider aquatic therapy?

Due to the properties of water such as the warm temperature, hydrostatic pressure, buoyancy and resistance research has shown treatment in a hydrotherapy pool

  • improves circulation
  • reduces swelling
  • reduces pain and muscle spasm
  • reduces body weight therefore offloads joints and soft tissues whilst they are healing
  • is effective for strengthening muscles
  • is a safe environment for improving balance and co-ordination for clients

Who benefits from aquatic therapy?

  • Any client who wants to accelerate their rehabilitation post injury or surgery
  • Any client who finds it difficult to exercise or manage their condition on land
  • Any client who would benefit from reduced pain achieved by the effects on the nervous system from being immersed in warm water

Many musculoskeletal conditions benefit from aquatic therapy including, but not limited to;

  • Post orthopaedic injury or surgery
  • Rheumatological conditions
  • Impaired balance disorders
  • Acute or chronic back pain
  • Chronic pain, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, CRPS

Aquatic therapy sessions

Clients receive a full land-based assessment from a Physiotherapist before commencing treatment in the hydrotherapy pool.

Aquatic therapy treatments are 30 minutes with a qualified Aquatic Physiotherapist.

Self-management aquatic therapy sessions

Following a course of aquatic therapy treatment clients are able continue using the hydrotherapy pool for maintenance/improvements during self-management sessions. 

“Earlier this year I had a Total Knee Replacement at Spire St Anthony's. The day after my surgery I was taken by the Physiotherapist into the hydrotherapy pool. The whole experience was excellent. The changing rooms and entire area are spotless, the water is crystal clear and very warm and the Physiotherapists are very helpful and encouraging. I have been using the pool recently under the "self-management" programme, supervised by one of the Physiotherapy Assistant. I really look forward to my sessions and feel the benefit every time I use the pool.” April 2017

“Excellent! Katherine and Nicola are clearly highly skilled and knowledgeable. I feel great benefit from my hydro sessions.” February 2017

“Hydrotherapy has really helped my knee following surgery, looking forward to my next hydro session. New facilities are a real asset.” February 2017

“The Physiotherapist’s have been excellent and the exercises they have shown me have made a great difference to the mobility of my hip. I really enjoy hydrotherapy too!” June 2017

"Following my left hip replacement I have found the physiotherapy in the hydro pool has strengthened my hip much quicker and following each session my walking and balancing has greatly improved. The physio staff have been very helpful and encouraging. I think it is a great way to get over my hip replacement quickly even at my age of 85yrs!" January 2017.

Call us on 020 8335 4646

To book an appointment or for more information, contact our Physiotherapy and sports injuries department.

Make an enquiry