Hydrotherapy

Pain rehabilitation in warm water, where damaged joints carry a fraction of their normal load and movement returns faster than it can on land.

Conditions we treat

Knee and hip osteoarthritis where land-based exercise has become too painful
Recovery after knee or hip replacement, or spinal surgery
Chronic low-back pain that flares with weight-bearing
Frozen shoulder and rotator cuff pain limiting overhead movement
Deconditioning after long periods of inactivity or bed rest
Fibromyalgia and widespread pain that worsens under load

How it works

Joint and movement assessment with a physiotherapist, on land first, to set safe loading parameters for the water.
Supervised sessions in a heated specialist pool, with the programme adjusted each visit based on how your joints respond.
Transition plan back to land-based exercise once your joints can tolerate full weight-bearing again.

What to expect

Before your appointment

Bring swimwear and any imaging or post-op notes. The first session begins with a land-based assessment, not in the water.

During

A physiotherapist is in the pool with you for every session. Sessions typically run 30 to 45 minutes. The water is warm (around 33°C), which itself reduces pain before you start moving.

After treatment

Most patients feel less stiffness within two or three sessions. A typical course runs 8 to 12 weeks, with graduation to a land-based programme as soon as your joints are ready.

Common questions

I can't swim. Is that a problem?

No. Hydrotherapy is not swimming. The water is chest-deep, you are supervised throughout, and most exercises are done standing or holding the pool edge.

Why water instead of regular physiotherapy?

Water removes most of your body weight from the joint. That lets you move further and load earlier than you could on land, which speeds recovery for arthritic and post-surgical joints.

Is it safe after surgery?

Yes, once the surgical wound is fully healed (usually 4 to 6 weeks). We coordinate timing with your surgeon and start with the gentlest loading, then progress.