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Physiotherapy Services - Women's Health

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy (Aquatic Physiotherapy) at iPS Clinics in Bridgend, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Newport & Porthcawl

Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, is a form of physical therapy that takes place in warm water, providing patients with a safe environment to perform therapeutic exercises. At iPS Physiotherapy, we offer hydrotherapy sessions that leverage the unique properties of water, such as buoyancy, resistance, and heat, to assist in rehabilitation. Hydrotherapy is especially beneficial for those recovering from injury, surgery, or managing chronic pain conditions.

Hydrotherapy - Advanced Physiotherapy

Hydrotherapy

Life-Changing Injury & Catastrophic Injury Rehabilitation at iPS Clinics in Bridgend, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Newport & Porthcawl

Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy Team

We have access to a specialist purpose built hydrotherapy pool and also to 4 star spa facilities to ensure the environment is more than fit for purpose to achieve any individual's set goals.

It is not necessary to be able to swim to take part in hydrotherapy. Similarly, the whole body does not need to be immersed i.e the head can stay firmly above the water's surface.

It is recommended that a land based assessment be completed at the physiotherapy clinic or at home prior to commencing hydrotherapy. This is to ensure that hydrotherapy is the most appropriate form of treatment to meet the individual's needs. If hydrotherapy is deemed appropriate, goals of therapy can be agreed following assessment of physical ability and function. Requirements for changing and access into the pool will be discussed and planned at this appointment also. Hydrotherapy will consist of one to one treatment sessions with a highly specialised aquatic physiotherapist in a suitable pool. The specialist individual programme will be monitored and progressed accordingly to ensure the most effective outcomes are reached.

Aquatic Therapy Self Maintenance Service iPS are now offering an Aquatic Therapy Self Maintenance Service. Following completion of your aquatic physiotherapy treatment provided by one of our aquatic physiotherapists, we are offering you the opportunity to use our Endless Pool at Heathwood Swim Cardiff to continue with your aquatic programme independently.

The sessions will be supervised by a poolside physiotherapy assistant and lifeguard only. We will require the self-maintenance sessions to be block booked as a minimum course of 6 to secure the time in the pool.

Please call 03456 252 252 to book your course of aquatic self-maintenance sessions.

Physiotherapy Treatments - Women's Health

How Hydrotherapy Works

Hydrotherapy uses the properties of water, such as buoyancy, pressure, and resistance, to enhance rehabilitation and promote healing. The buoyancy of the water reduces the weight placed on joints, which helps alleviate pain and allows patients to perform exercises with less risk of injury. The water’s resistance aids in building strength and improving flexibility. Additionally, the warmth of the water helps to relax muscles and increase blood flow to the affected areas, promoting faster recovery.

Hydrotherapy for neurological conditions

Hydrotherapy can help people with many types of neurological conditions such as brain and spinal cord injury, stroke, MS, cerebral palsy and Parkinson's disease. People with a neurological condition will often be able to achieve movement in the water that can be very difficult to perform on land. By using the water to stretch and mobilise, and by enhancing the stimulation of the skin receptors by the warmth of the water, this can help reduce neurological and/or secondary musculoskeletal pain.

Muscle spasm and muscle tone can be influenced by exercise in the water by increasing the use of the core stability muscles, global relaxation, muscle lengthening and passive mobilisation. Core control and balance can be retrained in the water without the fear of falling.

Hydrotherapy for musculoskeletal conditions

Hydrotherapy can help speed up recovery from sport injuries, or other joint problems, joint and muscle pain. This is due to the protective nature of the water allowing exercise either with assistance from the water, or with mild resistance whilst the affected area is supported by the water. Along with stretching of tight muscles, strengthening of weak muscles and decreasing pain individuals can improve their symptoms effectively.

Hydrotherapy post-surgery

Hydrotherapy can assist in a much quicker recovery following joint, back, abdominal or lower limb surgery. This is due to the water allowing functional exercise to occur within given post-operative weight restrictions, and cushioning of the joints by the water itself. The warm water increases some internal physiological processes therefore aiding the healing process. The hydrostatic pressure of the water can help the lymphatic system of the body drain away excess fluid and swelling.

Hydrotherapy for frequent fallers

There is no better place to retrain balance and core stability than in the water! The fear of falling is eliminated as the water surrounds and protects the body. When balance is lost, the process of losing balance is so slow that an individual has plenty of time to use their own balance systems to correct their position. This assists with retraining the individuals balance reactions and responses, without the need to rely upon a walking aid or furniture.

If you feel you would benefit from hydrotherapy, please call our administration office and our hydrotherapy specialist physiotherapist will be more than happy to discuss whether hydrotherapy is an appropriate option for you.

Benefits of Hydrotherapy

Conditions Treated with Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapist - Liz Davies

Liz Davies

Physiotherapist & Hydrotherapist

At the IPS we are extremely passionate about the benefits of hydrotherapy, and are very proud to have a highly skilled and very motivated aquatic specialist physiotherapist - Liz Davies, who can deliver a hydrotherapy programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hydrotherapy suitable for everyone?

Hydrotherapy is suitable for most individuals, including those with limited mobility or chronic pain. The warm water and low-impact nature of the exercises make it ideal for people recovering from surgery, injury, or dealing with musculoskeletal conditions. However, if you have certain medical conditions such as open wounds or infections, we advise discussing with your physiotherapist to determine if hydrotherapy is right for you.

How long does a hydrotherapy session last?

Typically, a hydrotherapy session lasts between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your specific treatment plan and condition. Your physiotherapist will guide you through the exercises and ensure that the session is tailored to your needs.

Do I need to know how to swim for hydrotherapy?

No, you do not need to be able to swim. Hydrotherapy exercises are designed to be performed in shallow water where you can stand, and the buoyancy of the water supports your body during exercises. Your physiotherapist will ensure that you are safe and comfortable throughout the session.

Help & Support

Do you need more information about any of our treatments or services?

We want to ensure that all of our patients receive the information they need to make an informed decision about their treatment. If you have any questions or if you require assistance with anything, please let us know.

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