Hydrotherapy is physiotherapy in the water and is a fun way to engage and capture the attention of babies, children and teenagers in a therapeutic context.
How is Hydrotherapy Beneficial?
Hydrotherapy is beneficial because the buoyancy properties of the water can assist a child to do something they could not do on land, OR make the task more difficult depending on the level of ability and goal of the task. Balance and core stability are challenged simply by walking in the water, making hydrotherapy an excellent medium to conduct physiotherapy.
Where is Hydrotherapy Offered?
Hydrotherapy is currently being offered at the ARC Campbelltown Pool, South Australia, and The Parks Recreation and Sports Centre – YMCA, Angle Park, please contact us for further information on times and days.




Hydrotherapy in Adelaide – A Detailed Explanation of Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy or water therapy, is a type of physiotherapy treatment that takes place in water. It utilises the properties of water to provide therapeutic benefits and is often used to treat a variety of conditions. Here’s an overview of how hydrotherapy is related to physiotherapy:
Key Principles of Hydrotherapy
Buoyancy: Water provides buoyancy, which reduces the effect of gravity on the body. This makes movement easier and less painful, especially for individuals with joint pain, arthritis, those recovering from surgery or in the case with many of our clients, weaker muscles are able to be engaged and developed and other muscles are able to be stretched, strengthened and developed. Buoyancy helps support the body, reducing the weight-bearing load on joints and muscles.
Resistance: Water provides natural resistance, which can be used to strengthen muscles. This resistance is adjustable based on the speed and force of movement, making it a versatile tool for both gentle rehabilitation and more intense strengthening exercises.
Hydrostatic Pressure: The pressure exerted by water can aid in reducing swelling and improving circulation. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with edema or those recovering from injuries.
Temperature: Warm water can help relax muscles, reduce pain, and increase blood flow. This makes it easier to perform exercises and can enhance the therapeutic effects of the treatment.
Applications of Hydrotherapy in Physiotherapy
Hydrotherapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
- Musculoskeletal Issues: Conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and muscle strains can benefit from the reduced load and increased range of motion provided by water.
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Hydrotherapy can help individuals regain strength and mobility after surgeries like joint replacements or ligament repairs.
- Neurological Conditions: Individuals with conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy can benefit from the supportive environment of water, which can aid in improving balance, coordination, and mobility.
- Chronic Pain Management: Conditions like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome can be managed with hydrotherapy, as the warm water can help reduce pain and promote relaxation.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy
- Pain Relief: The warmth and buoyancy of water help alleviate pain and discomfort.
- Improved Mobility: The reduced gravity effect allows for greater freedom of movement, aiding in flexibility and range of motion exercises.
- Enhanced Circulation: Hydrostatic pressure helps improve blood circulation, which can promote healing and reduce swelling.
- Muscle Strengthening: The resistance of water provides a gentle yet effective way to build muscle strength.
- Relaxation: The soothing properties of water can promote mental relaxation and reduce stress.
Hydrotherapy Techniques
- Aquatic Exercises: Tailored exercises performed in the water to target specific areas of the body and address individual patient needs.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques performed by the therapist in water to manipulate and mobilise joints and soft tissues.
- Hydrotherapy Pools: Specialised pools with controlled temperatures and features like jets or currents to enhance the therapeutic experience.
Implementation
Our Hydrotherapy sessions are conducted by physiotherapists. The sessions are individual designed specifically on the patient’s needs and the specific goals of the treatment.