Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy, also called aquatic physiotherapy, is exercise and rehabilitation done in a pool and guided by a physiotherapist. Buoyancy and reduced gravitational load can make movement easier and, for some people, less painful, which is why it can suit people who find loading on land difficult.¹ Aquatic physiotherapists use it for people with joint conditions, pain, recovery after surgery, balance problems and neurological conditions or disability, particularly when land-based treatment has plateaued or practising a new skill on land carries risk.¹

Aquatic exercise is one option for people with hip and knee osteoarthritis.² For persistent pain, recovery after surgery and disability, some people find that exercising in water helps with balance, movement and confidence.¹ Hydrotherapy is best seen as another way to exercise when land is difficult.

Before your first pool session, Australian aquatic physiotherapy guidelines call for a land-based physiotherapy assessment and individual screening, covering things like infection, skin, continence, falls risk, water confidence and any assistance you need.³ Screening is individual, and the guidelines note that consultation with other informed health professionals, such as your doctor, may be needed where risk is higher. You should tell us about wounds, infections, a raised temperature, heart or breathing problems, dialysis or any condition that is not well controlled.^3,5 NDIS therapy supports include physiotherapy, and participants provide evidence from their allied health professional that the support is right for them.⁴ Whether pool sessions are funded depends on your plan and goals.