Hydrotherapy Pools For Exercise and Rehabilitation

Hydrotherapy pools are different to a Jacuzzi, hot tub or whirlpool as they’re specifically designed for exercise and rehabilitation. The temperature, movement and jets of water are carefully controlled to deliver specific therapeutic benefits.

The warm water creates a calming effect on the muscles and mind, encouraging relaxation and boosting wellbeing. Physiotherapists regularly include hydrotherapy in client treatment programs.

Stress Reliever

Exercise in water is a natural stress reliever and is particularly beneficial for those who are recovering from injuries or those suffering with painful conditions like back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It reduces the pressure on weight bearing joints, and exercises in water provide up to 15 times more resistance than on land – improving muscle strength.

The warm temperatures of the hydrotherapy pool can also help to stimulate the nervous system, triggering the release of endorphins – naturally occurring chemicals that are known to relieve stress. Exercise in a hydrotherapy pool can even be used as a way to combat depression and anxiety in some people with fibromyalgia, and it’s been found that those who use the hydrotherapy pools regularly feel more relaxed and happier than those who don’t.

In addition, the freedom to walk without using a wheelchair or callipers and the ability to move in ways that would be impossible on land is incredibly liberating. Many disabled people find that their first session in a hydrotherapy pool is the first time they’ve been free from pain, gravity and the need to use their arms to support themselves – and this can be a truly life changing experience. It enables them to become more independent and develop skills that they can then take into their everyday lives.

Muscle Relaxation

The warm temperature of a hydrotherapy pool soothes muscles, reducing pain and stiffness. It also encourages the body to release endorphins – natural stress busters and anxiety reducers. This can help to reduce muscle soreness and improve overall mobility, which can be beneficial for anyone struggling with chronic pain.

Water buoyancy also helps to reduce the pressure on joints and muscles, which can be a major benefit for those with limited mobility. This reduction in weight bearing hydrotherapy pool stress encourages a range of movement and exercise, resulting in more freedom and flexibility than would be possible on land.

In addition, water-based exercises provide up to 15 times more resistance than on land, causing the muscles to strengthen. This is a huge benefit for people with weakness or pain, especially the lower body, where many conditions and injuries impact.

If you’re interested in including hydrotherapy sessions in your workout routine, Connect Health & Community in Bentleigh East has an onsite pool that our physiotherapists and exercise physiologists use for individual and group therapy sessions. Before making an appointment, we’ll undertake a screening process to ensure you’re safe to participate in this treatment. This includes a discussion of your medical history, current pain level and mobility. Then, we’ll recommend a treatment plan that will work for you and your needs.

Improved Circulation

The buoyancy of water reduces pressure on bones and joints and supports body weight, which can help to improve balance, ease pain from injury or surgery and boost joint mobility. Water’s resistance can also be used for low-impact strength training to strengthen muscles and improve balance and endurance.

The warmth of the water stimulates blood flow and circulation, promoting healing in the injured areas of the body. The buoyancy of the water relieves muscle tension and encourages the release of endorphins, natural painkillers that act as real natural sedatives.

In addition, Hydrostatic pressure (the upward force exerted by the water) pushes the limbs against gravity, reducing the pain of arthritic or injured joints. This action helps to break down lactic acid from exercise, improving the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the joints and muscles and assisting in the healing process.

Exercise in a warm pool helps to increase white blood cell distribution throughout the body, helping the immune system to fight infections. Regular sessions can also increase lymphatic fluid circulation, encouraging the body to drain toxins. This is particularly beneficial for bariatric patients who are at risk of developing joint problems due to excess weight, which can exacerbate pain and promote degeneration. The benefits of the warm water in a hydrotherapy pool help them to continue exercising and can even encourage them to try new exercises they could not perform on land.

Better Sleep

For people dealing with sleep disorders such as insomnia or fibromyalgia, hydrotherapy can be an effective solution. By raising your core body temperature in a hot tub or swim spa and then naturally cooling it down before bed, the water can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Moreover, the warm water and soothing jets relax your muscles and reduce tension to improve the quality of your sleep.

Stress is a major contributor to hydrotherapy pool insomnia and can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. However, regular hydrotherapy sessions in a hot tub or swim spa have been shown to decrease the level of stress hormones in the blood.

The buoyancy of the water and the massage from the jets can also help relieve pressure on your joints, making it easier to move. For those dealing with chronic pain and mobility issues, a hydrotherapy pool is an excellent alternative to traditional exercise programs that can be painful and challenging to complete.

To enhance the experience, you can add a few drops of essential oils such as lavender or chamomile to your bathwater to help you calm and relax. In addition, some swim spas come with a chromotherapy lighting system that creates a relaxing environment to further help you de-stress and fall into a restful sleep.