Written by Erin, Physiotherapist | Healthy Connections

When movement feels easier in the water

Have you ever noticed that moving in water can feel a little easier?

For some people, getting up, walking, balancing or exercising on land can be challenging because of pain, weakness, fatigue or reduced mobility.

The water can provide a different environment to move in.

Hydrotherapy uses the properties of water alongside physiotherapy techniques to create an individualised exercise and rehabilitation program. Buoyancy, water pressure, warmth and resistance can all help support movement while reducing the impact on joints.

For some people, exercising in the water can provide the confidence they need to start moving again.

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is a form of physiotherapy that takes place in water.

It’s not simply swimming laps or an aqua aerobics class.

A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can use the water to help you work on specific goals, whether that’s improving strength, mobility, balance, endurance or confidence with movement.

The buoyancy of the water helps support your body, while the resistance of the water can be used to gradually build strength.

The warmth of a heated pool can also make movement more comfortable for some people.

Your program is tailored to you, your abilities and your goals.

Learn more about the health benefits of water-based exercise and swimming.

Who can benefit from hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy can be used to support people with a wide range of conditions and concerns.

This may include:

• Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

• Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke and peripheral neuropathies

• Musculoskeletal injuries and conditions

• Cardiac rehabilitation

• Chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD and asthma

• Balance difficulties and falls prevention

• Traumatic brain injury

• Some mental health conditions

• Reduced mobility or difficulty exercising on land

Hydrotherapy can also be suitable for people with different levels of mobility.

At Healthy Connections, our team of Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists have experience working with both ambulant and people who use wheelchairs, supporting people with a wide range of conditions and primary concerns.

This means hydrotherapy isn’t about being a strong swimmer or having a particular level of fitness.

It’s about finding ways to move that work for you.

Could hydrotherapy help with falls prevention?

Falls can become a concern as we get older, particularly when balance, strength or confidence with movement changes.

Exercise that works on strength and balance can help support mobility and independence, and a physiotherapist can help develop an exercise program suited to your abilities.

For someone who finds land-based exercises difficult, the pool can provide a supportive environment to practise movement and balance.

The water can help reduce the impact of movement while still providing resistance to work against.

With an appropriate land-based risk assessment, hydrotherapy may be one option to help you work towards your individual mobility and balance goals.

It’s not just about physical movement

Getting into the pool can also be about confidence.

If pain, fatigue or reduced mobility has made you hesitant to exercise, having the support of a physiotherapist and the buoyancy of the water may help make movement feel more achievable.

You can work at your own pace, with exercises progressed as your strength, control and confidence improve.

And sometimes, simply feeling more comfortable moving can make a big difference.

Meet our Allied Health Team

Our Healthy Connections team brings together Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists (EPs) who work with people of all abilities and at different stages of their health and rehabilitation journey.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury or surgery, managing a chronic condition, working on your balance and mobility, or simply looking to stay strong and active, our team can help you find the right support for your needs.

Our Physiotherapists and EPs have experience across areas including falls prevention, chronic pain, orthopaedic and post-operative rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, mobility and exercise for chronic health conditions.

Our approach is all about understanding what matters to you and creating a program around your goals, abilities and lifestyle.

Whether your goal is to move with more confidence, manage a condition, recover from an injury or keep doing the things you love, we’re here to help you keep moving and living life your way.

What can you work on in hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy can be used to work towards a range of individual goals, including:

• Improving strength

• Building endurance

• Supporting mobility

• Working on balance

• Improving movement control

• Managing fatigue and pacing activity

• Building confidence with movement

• Supporting independence

The aim isn’t to simply exercise in the water.

It’s about using the water as a tool to help you work towards functional goals that matter in everyday life.

That might mean making it easier to get out of a chair, improving your walking, feeling steadier on your feet or building the confidence to be more active.

Could hydrotherapy be right for you?

Hydrotherapy isn’t suitable for everyone, and the right type of exercise will depend on your health, mobility and individual circumstances.

A physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether hydrotherapy is appropriate for you and what approach may best support your goals.

At Healthy Connections, our hydrotherapy services combine physiotherapy and exercise physiology with the supportive properties of water to help you work towards your individual goals.

Whether you’re looking to improve your mobility, manage pain, build strength or feel more confident with movement, our team can help you explore your options.

Movement can look different for everyone

You don’t have to be able to exercise on land with ease to benefit from movement.

Sometimes, changing the environment can change what feels possible.

For some people, hydrotherapy provides the support, reduced impact and confidence they need to start working towards their goals.

To find out more or book an appointment, contact Healthy Connections on (07) 3624 2185.

Please note: This article provides general information only and is not intended to replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Hydrotherapy may not be suitable for everyone. Speak with your GP or physiotherapist about whether hydrotherapy is appropriate for you.