Functional recovery in water: the hydrotherapy pool
From the beginning of the rehabilitation process, rehabilitation sessions in the hydrotherapy pool, physiotherapy in water, or hydrotherapy, is one of the most effective and recommended functional recovery treatment. Especially during the acute injury or post-operative phase.
You do not necessarily need to be able to swim to access the rehabilitation sessions in the hydrotherapy pool, as there will always be a rehabilitation specialist by your side.
Performing exercises in the water is extremely useful in the early stages of rehabilitation, helping patients recover their full range of motion without placing any load on the injured joint. Taking advantage of the continuous compression and the easing of gravity force offered by water, rehabilitation in the pool aims, to quickly recover functional activities like walking. You will undertake simple targeted exercises and constantly be under the supervision of an expert physiotherapist. The focus will be on the tone and flexibility of joints and muscle, and the alleviation of pain and swelling.
In the pool it is possible to carry out exercises and movements you could not do outside the water at that stage of your recovery.
Hydrotherapy in Isokinetic has the physiotherapist either in the water together with the patient, or guided, with constant supervision from the side of the pool.
Find out more about hydrotherapy and rehabilitation sessions in the swimming pool
Our hydrotherapy pool is an environment specifically designed to allow everyone to perform therapeutic exercise or have treatment delivered safely. They are designed with multiple depths from 120cm up to 2 metres, with handrails that allow you to easily access the water even when you may have partial immobility. You will be able to remain immersed up to the height of the chest, with your feet touching the bottom of the pool, regardless of your stature.
Isokinetic’s hydrotherapy pools are specifically heated for patients: with a temperature between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius. The temperature is used to reach the maximum level of muscle relaxation and comfort.
We are one of the leading London providers of a combined land and pool-based programme for both non-operatively managed and pre/post joint replacement patients. Our clinic at 11 Harley Street offers one of the very few hydrotherapy pools in Central London.
Hydrotherapy provides a unique environment which allows us to practice and train movements not possible on land due to strength loss from your injury.
We use hydrotherapy in combination with gym based physiotherapy to ensure that you get a head start in your rehabilitation, so that you can return to activity quickly and safely as possible.
Our programme of hydrotherapy and gym physiotherapy allows:
– Restoration of a natural gait without crutches
– Early introduction of running
– Acceleration of the restoration of dynamic joint range of motion
– Early practice of functional strength exercises such as squats
– Early practice of explosive exercises such as jumps
The pool is heated to a very comfortable 32-34°C, tested & cleaned daily and ozone treated.
The unique properties of water include:
Hydrostatic Pressure
– Reduced swelling
– Increased awareness of body position
– Increased balance
– Increased efficiency of cardiovascular system
Bouyancy
– Reduced Body weight
– Reduced Compression forces to joints
– Reduced Muscular tension
– Reduced Range of motion
Viscosity
– Increased muscular strength accommodating resistance to muscle
Temperature
– Reduced pain
– Reduced stiffness
– Increased range of motion
What Conditions can Benefit from Hydrotherapy?
Injuries and conditions that benefit from hydrotherapy include:
Sports injuries
Back and neck pain – acute and chronic
Hip, knee and shoulder pain
Post surgical:
Hip, knee, ankle and shoulder replacements
ACL reconstruction and repair
Knee and shoulder arthroscopy
Surgically managed fractures
Hypermobility
Arthritis (including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis)
Request an Appointment
For further information, contact us or book your first visit which will include an initial diagnosis, a customised plan for medical care and a rehabilitation programme designed to suit your unique needs.