Hydrotherapy
Physiotherapy in the water
Hydrotherapy is physiotherapy done in a pool, either your own pool at home or a local public pool.
Why water
Water holds up much of your body weight, so movements that are hard or uncomfortable on land can be easier to practise. It also pushes back, so the same pool can make an exercise gentler or harder. And because water presses evenly on the body, being in it gives a firm, constant sensation all over — a little like a weighted blanket.
Children
Children’s sessions in the pool are play-based, the same way they are on land. That usually means working on core strength, on moving arms and legs independently of each other, on balance and body awareness, and on being comfortable and confident in the water before swimming lessons.
What the research says
Aquatic therapy for children with autism and other developmental needs has been studied, and reviews report promising results for motor and social skills. The studies so far are small and differ a lot from each other, so the findings are encouraging rather than settled. Shreya will talk through whether hydrotherapy is a sensible option for your child rather than promise a particular result.
Adults
For adults, the pool can be a useful place to work on strength, balance and mobility, particularly early after surgery or an injury, when putting full weight through a limb is uncomfortable or not yet allowed.
Where sessions happen
- Your own pool. Nothing extra to pay beyond the visit fee.
- A local public pool. Pool entry fees are separate and paid by you, and the pool’s own rules apply.
Hydrotherapy is not right for everyone. Shreya will check with you first, and for some conditions will want to check with your doctor before starting.
Confirm that Shreya’s professional indemnity insurance covers aquatic physiotherapy at third-party pools. This page is written on the assumption that it does.
Funding
- NDIS: charged as an ordinary therapy session, at the same fee as any other visit. Pool entry is not a therapy cost.
- WorkCover Queensland: pool-based programs can be funded where they are aimed at getting you back to work, with your case manager’s approval first. More on WorkCover.
- Private: the standard visit fee. See fees.
Is hydrotherapy right for you?
Get in touch and Shreya will talk it through with you.