Does a physiotherapy perform hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy, also called aquatic therapy, takes place in a pool under the guidance of a trained physiotherapist or rehabilitation team. Water supports part of your body weight and provides gentle resistance, which can make walking, joint movement and strengthening easier to control. A session may include warm-up movements, balance practice, stepping, range-of-motion work, strengthening and functional tasks. The therapist chooses the depth, pace and equipment according to your ability. Pool therapy may complement land-based rehabilitation rather than replace it, because daily activities usually happen outside the water.

Tell the therapist about wounds, skin problems, infections, bowel or bladder control concerns, heart or breathing conditions, dizziness and fear of water before entering the pool. Follow the facility's hygiene and safety instructions, use the handrail when advised and do not enter alone if supervision is required. Wear suitable swim clothing and bring any prescribed aid. Drink fluids as advised, pace yourself and report fatigue, light-headedness, unusual breathlessness or a change in pain during the session. Your therapist can then alter the exercise or arrange another approach.

Leave the pool and seek medical help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, new confusion or a serious injury. Tell the rehabilitation team promptly about worsening pain, marked swelling, skin irritation, drainage from a wound or feeling unwell after a session. Do not use a pool while an open wound or infection has not been cleared for water exposure. A clinician can advise when aquatic exercise is appropriate.

Is water-based therapy suitable for my condition? Are there reasons I should avoid the pool temporarily? Which exercises should I do in water and which on land? What symptoms should make me stop a session?