Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a series of gentle exercises which can be more manageable when carried out in a heated pool (32 to 35 degrees Centigrade) while the water supports much of the body weight, the resistance of the water helps to strengthen the muscles. The warmth increases blood circulation and reduces muscle spasms and helps to relieve pain.

Exercise in water is appealing because of the buoyancy of the water that reduces joint loading and impact and decreases the negative influences of poor balance and poor postural control.

Hydrotherapy usually consists of gentle stretching, relaxing exercises, strengthening exercises against the resistance of the water and active movement within the water.

Benefits of hydrotherapy:

• Strengthen weak muscle groups.
• Improve co-ordination.
• Improve posture.
• Improve balance.
• Stretch tight/shortened/high tone muscles.
• Accelerate the development of gross motor skills.
• Reduce pain, muscle spasm and involuntary movements.
• Helps alleviate water retention.