Benefits of a Hydrotherapy Pool

A hydrotherapy pool is a unique kind of therapy pool. It differs from Jacuzzis or hot tubs in that it is specially designed for therapeutic purposes, with jets and other features to boost wellness.

This water-based therapy has many benefits for people of all ages, such as soothing aching muscles and relieving joint pain. At Connect Health & Community in Bentleigh East, our onsite hydrotherapy pool is used for hydrotherapy and aquatic exercise physiology sessions.

Increased Circulation

A hydrotherapy pool provides a soothing environment for the body and offers jets and other features to massage muscles. Contrasting hot and cold water therapy (called contrast hydrotherapy) stimulates the circulation, helps reduce muscle inflammation and pushes metabolic toxins into the bloodstream for excretion. The hot-cold cycle also works as a type of enema, which flushes the system and eliminates toxins.

Hydrotherapy combines the thermal effects of warm water with healing abilities to promote relaxation and improve the symptoms of long-term conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. Being submerged in a hydrotherapy pool gives the body a weightless feel and allows exercises to be completed without any impact on joints, which can cause pain in some people.

The viscosity of the water can be used to create resistance during hydrotherapy exercises, which is not unlike using light weights on land. This is a very beneficial aspect of hydrotherapy, as it helps build strength and balance for clients who cannot perform these exercises on dry land.

In addition to improving balance and strength, moving in water helps with balance and mobility as the buoyancy of the body supports 75% of the weight. This is particularly helpful for individuals with conditions hydrotherapy pool such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which is characterised by seizures. In addition, a hydrotherapy pool can provide an excellent low-resistance alternative to exercise on land, such as jogging and swimming, which can be too difficult for many people to do in a regular gym.

Relieves Joint Pain

In many cases, hydrotherapy is used as a means to ease pain and stiffness. The warm water relaxes muscles and encourages movement, making it easier to stretch and exercise. In addition, the buoyancy of the water takes pressure off weight-bearing joints, and the water’s hydrostatic pressure acts like a compression stocking on the body, improving blood circulation.

The warm water also stimulates the lymphatic system to circulate more lymph, which helps to remove toxins from the body and strengthen the immune system. In addition, the warmth of the water increases white blood cell levels, which can help fight infections and injuries.

You don’t need to be a good swimmer to participate in hydrotherapy, and the first few sessions usually take place in a pool that is waist- to chest-deep. A physiotherapist or aquatic therapist will be close by to assist you if needed.

The warm water can help reduce muscle spasms and improve flexibility in the knees, hips, and ankles. Many people with chronic conditions find that a hydrotherapy session can be very helpful in reducing the symptoms of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia. However, it is important to remember that while hydrotherapy is an effective treatment for joint stiffness and pain, it does not cure these conditions. It is best to consult with your healthcare provider, who can offer insights based on the existing evidence (such as results of randomised controlled trials, or RCTs) and clinical experience.

Increases Endorphin Levels

If you are suffering from a physical ailment, hydrotherapy can be beneficial because it will stimulate the release of mood-boosting endorphins. These are hormones that act as natural pain relievers and will ease any aches or pains. This is because the warmth of the water paired with the feeling of weightlessness will allow your muscles to relax and alleviate any tension you are experiencing.

Studies have also shown that exercise in a hydrotherapy pool increases your immune system, which will help to fight off colds and illness. This is because the increased blood flow to the body will cause white blood cells to circulate around the body, boosting your overall immunity levels.

Soaking in a hot tub can also be very relaxing and help to reduce anxiety. The jets can ease tension, allowing you to feel relaxed hydrotherapy pool and the cascading water and mood lighting can change your energy levels. Taking a dip before bed can also help with your circadian rhythm, which will encourage a good night’s sleep.

If you are considering a hydrotherapy treatment, be sure to chat to your therapist about your medical history and any pre-existing conditions or medications you may have. This will ensure that the treatment is safe for you and that it’s tailored to your specific needs. It’s important to communicate your comfort level with heat and cold to your therapist too, as this will be a big factor in determining what temperature you will soak in.

Improves Mobility

The buoyancy of the warm water helps reduce pressure on bones and joints, making it easier to move. The temperature of the water encourages the release of endorphins which are natural pain relievers, further reducing muscle soreness. The warm water also allows muscles to be exercised with up to 15 times more resistance than on land, helping build strength without increasing the risk of injury.

In addition, the warm water is gentle on joints and muscles, which makes hydrotherapy an excellent choice for patients who are recovering from knee or hip replacement surgery. This is because the reduced impact and the warmth of the water allow for more movement around the replaced joint, which is often difficult to achieve on land.

For patients who are experiencing neurological conditions such as spinal cord injuries, physical therapists can help them regain motor skills by using the weightlessness of the hydrotherapy pool to perform rehabilitation exercises. This type of therapy can help improve balance, stability, lumbar stabilisation, and overall gait.

Hydrotherapy is very different to other forms of aquatic exercise, such as aquacise or aquarobics, as it is much slower and focuses on building strength rather than stamina. However, health professionals including physiotherapists and exercise physiologists regularly use hydrotherapy in client treatment programs to increase flexibility, strengthen joints and muscles, improve balance and stability, and reduce pain.