What Is a Hydrotherapy Pool?
The warm water of a hydrotherapy pool enables muscle relaxation and pain relief. Its buoyancy reduces strain on joints and can be used for exercise, aiding rehabilitation for people with neurological conditions.
The water can also be manipulated to increase resistance which is ideal for those with learning difficulties or profound and multiple disabilities. The sensory experience of the water fosters a sense of embodiment promoting emotional well-being.
Warm Water
When exercising in a hydrotherapy pool, the water is heated to a comfortable temperature and this helps to relax muscles and increase blood flow to injured areas. The specialised equipment within these pools also helps to assist with exercise and can include things like underwater treadmills and resistance jets. These types of swimming pools are usually found at hospitals, community health rehabilitation centres and some physiotherapy clinics or leisure centre complexes.
The buoyancy of the water also allows for pain free movement and reduces stress on joints, making it ideal for people with arthritis and other conditions. The calming environment and gentle movements of exercising in the water also hydrotherapy pool help to improve mood and decrease levels of cortisol, a stress hormone.
Hydrotherapy is a multifaceted approach to healing that integrates physical and psychological recovery. The benefits of exercising in a hydrotherapy pool can be broadly grouped under the concept of ‘Holistic Rehabilitation’, which emphasises the interconnectedness of mind, body, and emotions. This concept is particularly helpful for individuals struggling to manage chronic pain, allowing them to focus on their emotional and psychological wellbeing whilst restoring their physical strength and function. The meditative nature of hydrotherapy can also promote the sense of embodiment, allowing individuals to reconnect with their bodies after experiencing trauma or other distressing events. This can be especially beneficial for those who have experienced traumatic brain injuries or traumas from war or natural disasters.
Exercise
Hydrotherapy is quite simply Physiotherapy in a water environment, often also called ‘aquatic Physio’. The water in a hydrotherapy pool is usually warmer than a swimming pool, set at an average of 34degC, creating a nourishing, healing and welcoming environment for exercise and rehabilitation.
As well as providing the opportunity to work out and build muscle strength, exercise in a hydrotherapy pool can help ease pain and swelling. This is because the water enables movement without putting strain on the joints, and the weightless nature of the water provides resistance to the movements.
The warm water can also aid relaxation, with many people who suffer from chronic conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia finding that regular use of the hydrotherapy pool helps them manage their condition and reduces symptoms such as pain, fatigue and depression. The warmth of the water can also create a calming effect, lowering cortisol levels and increasing serotonin.
There are a number of exercises that can be done in the water, ranging from gentle stretching to more intense workouts. If you are new to exercise in the water it is recommended that you consult with an Exercise Physiologist or GP before starting a hydrotherapy program.
Multi Sensory Equipment
Hydrotherapy pools are often equipped with specialized equipment, such as underwater treadmills or resistance jets, to aid in therapy. These can help to relieve pain by boosting blood flow and relaxing muscles. They can also help to improve balance and coordination, which is particularly beneficial for people with neurological conditions.
These special pools are also often designed with additional features to make them more accessible for disabled people, including ramps and lifts. They might also be smaller and have more precise water quality and sanitation standards than standard swimming pools.
In addition to the physical benefits of hydrotherapy, it can have a profound psychological impact as well. The warm, therapeutic water can help to relax the body and mind, hydrotherapy pool and reduce anxiety and stress levels. It can also provide a social environment, with the opportunity to engage in activities with others.
While hydrotherapy can be a useful treatment for many, it isn’t a magic bullet and shouldn’t be used as a substitute for other treatments. Talk to your GP or therapist before starting any new treatment. They can give you advice and recommend a hydrotherapy course of action tailored to your specific needs. If you’re considering installing a hydrotherapy pool at your home, the team at Sensory Technology Ltd can offer expert advice on what equipment would be best for your specific needs.
Socialising
When used with a physiotherapy programme, hydrotherapy pools can be a valuable socialising tool. This is especially important for children with Autism, who can benefit from spending time with other children in a structured setting.
The warm water in a hydrotherapy pool encourages people to relax and feel comfortable. This helps them to interact with others in a safe and controlled environment which can boost their self-esteem. This can help them build confidence to participate in community activities that they may not be able to do outside of the hydrotherapy pool.
It is also a great way to reduce anxiety and fear. The buoyancy of the water means that people don’t need to worry about getting hurt or falling over, and they can try movements that they may not have been able to do on land. It can also help to improve their range of movement, especially for children with CP who might have restricted mobility or muscle strength due to their condition.
This can be especially beneficial for children who have high tone muscles, known as hypertonia, as the warm water encourages their muscles to relax, which makes movements easier. They can practice a range of exercises in the water, and they can build up their strength over time with regular exercise sessions in a hydrotherapy pool.