The healing power of hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is a specialised form of physiotherapy that uses water's physical properties to help you regain strength and mobility.
How does hydrotherapy work?
Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, involves working with a physiotherapist to perform tailored exercises in a warm-water pool. The water temperature is usually 33–36ºC, which is warmer than a typical swimming pool.
The treatment is different to aqua aerobics, which is more often a workout, not a form of specialist rehabilitation led by a physiotherapist. Instead, hydrotherapy is generally more focused on slow, controlled movements and relaxation.
Aquatic therapy is a powerful and accessible method of natural healing from joint injury and long-term, chronic joint pain. Whether through structured aquatic exercises, buoyancy-assisted movement, or warm water immersion, hydrotherapy plays a crucial role in physiotherapy, helping you recover from injury, manage chronic pain, and improve your overall mobility.
The key benefits of hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy can provide you with a wide range of transformative benefits, making it an effective treatment for rehabilitation, pain relief, and your overall well-being.
Aquatic pools are heated to around 34°C, which is the optimum temperature for your muscles to fully relax. The buoyancy of water reduces the impact on your joints and muscles, allowing people with arthritis, injuries, and mobility issues to move more freely and comfortably. Warm water also improves your circulation and helps alleviate pain from conditions like fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. The natural resistance of the water enhances your strength and endurance without placing excessive strain on your body, making it ideal for post-surgical recovery and sports rehabilitation.
Additionally, hydrotherapy supports neurological rehabilitation by improving coordination and balance, particularly in individuals with stroke, cerebral palsy, or multiple sclerosis. Beyond physical benefits, hydrotherapy also helps with stress reduction, relaxation, and mental well-being, making it a holistic approach to your health and recovery.
Who can benefit from hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy can be used to treat and rehabilitate a wide range of conditions, including:
- Spinal conditions
- Arthritis
- Sports injuries
- Neurological conditions
- If you are about to have or have had orthopaedic surgery
Hydrotherapy can be a good addition to your physiotherapy programme as you recover from an injury or surgery. Moving in water provides a low-resistance way to exercise safely as the water helps to hold your body weight. Working out in water is often recommended to people who experience pain during other types of workouts, too.
Every person is unique. Your physiotherapist will work with you on an individualised exercise and give you support during your treatment which will be tailored to your specific needs and requirements.
Hydrotherapy can provide you with a wide range of transformative benefits, making it an effective treatment for rehabilitation, pain relief, and your overall well-being.
Physiotherapy: everything you need to know
It helps to understand more about physiotherapy to better understand hydrotherapy.
Physiotherapists use movement, exercise, and hands-on techniques to help people recover from illness, injury, or surgery - dramatically enhancing their overall quality of life. Physiotherapy combines manual treatment with expert guidance, empowering you with the knowledge and tools to maintain progress beyond your sessions.
Whether you're rebuilding strength, regaining mobility, or adapting to a chronic condition, physiotherapy supports your journey to recovery and long-term well-being. It can aid in safe rehabilitation, help manage disabilities, and provide strategies to navigate daily life with greater ease. For many, it plays a crucial role in maintaining independence.
Physiotherapy at Circle Health Group
Taking a holistic approach, physiotherapy considers not just physical health but also lifestyle and mental well-being. Each treatment plan is uniquely tailored, ensuring that your needs, goals, and circumstances shape the path to better movement and a healthier life.
What happens during a typical hydrotherapy session?
During your hydrotherapy session, you'll be accompanied by an experienced aquatic physiotherapist who has undertaken specialist training to maximise the benefits of hydrotherapy.
They will guide you through a series of movements and exercises, either working with the water or against the water to help improve your mobility and strength. Your hydrotherapy exercises will be 100% tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.
The sessions will usually last for 30 minutes, but your physiotherapist will confirm this with you before your session.
The warm temperature of the water and exercise can make you feel a little tired after your session. It's important to ensure you remain hydrated and drink plenty of water following your appointment. Any tiredness or post-exercise soreness should be short-lived. It's a safe form of exercise and there are no known serious aftereffects. If you have any concerns, your physiotherapist will be happy to discuss these with you.
Your hydrotherapy exercises will be 100% tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.
Most asked questions about hydrotherapy
Here are some frequently asked questions patients ask about hydrotherapy:
Do I need to be able to swim?
You do not need to be able to swim or get your head wet to participate in a hydrotherapy treatment session. Your physiotherapist can adapt your treatment to suit your needs, so if you're not confident in the water, they can advise on appropriate exercises whilst keeping your feet on the floor.
Access to the pool is either by a set of steps with handrails, or by a hoist if you are unable to access the steps.
Are group sessions available?
For those who have been discharged from physiotherapy but would like to continue their hydrotherapy exercises, we offer group 'splash sessions'. These group sessions are open to previous patients who can continue their programmes under supervision. If you are interested in participating in one of our splash sessions, speak to your physiotherapist who will be able to provide you with all the information you require.
What will I need to bring with me?
When attending your hydrotherapy session you should bring with you the following items:
- A swimming costume
- A towel
- A change of clothes
- Goggles (optional)
- Swim cap (optional)
Your physiotherapist will advise you before your session if there are any specific items you should bring with you.
Hydrotherapy at Circle Health Group
We offer hydrotherapy services at some of our Circle Health Group hospitals.
The cost of hydrotherapy starts from £64 for your first appointment.* This is based on an initial 45-minute appointment and includes a full assessment and treatment plan. The cost of follow-up appointments starts from £50 (depending on the area, please check local pricing).*
The cost of your total physiotherapy treatment will depend on various factors such as your condition, how many sessions you need and what type of treatment you are recommended. Your therapist will discuss this with you as part of your treatment planning.
You do not need a GP referral to access hydrotherapy services.
*This is a guide price and may vary. You'll be told the exact cost before you book.
Tags
Sign up to our newsletter
How do I book an appointment?
If you're concerned about symptoms you're experiencing or require further information on this subject, talk to a GP or see an expert consultant at your local Circle Hospital.