The Benefits of a Hydrotherapy Pool
A hydrotherapy pool is a specially designed, heated pool that can be used for rehabilitation and exercise. It features specialist equipment and is overseen by a professional.
The warm water promotes muscle relaxation and pain relief. It also reduces impact on joints and allows people to work their muscles without putting too much strain on their bodies.
Relieves Pain and Tension
Just like a hot bath at the end of a long day, jumping into a hydrotherapy pool can soothe muscles and joints and help you relax. This is because the water can support sore limbs and facilitate movement, which stimulates the release of endorphins, which act as real natural pain relievers.
Exercise in the warm water can also relieve pain, reduce inflammation and promote circulation, which is great news for people with conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. This is because hydrotherapy takes the weight off the joints and provides a safe amount of resistance, making it easier to move and strengthen the body.
This can help speed up recovery from injury or surgery and get the body fit again so that it can cope with the daily activities it needs to do. It can also help reduce deconditioning and improve balance.
However, it’s important to note that not all uses of hydrotherapy are scientifically proven and there is limited scientific evidence about their safety and effectiveness. It’s therefore recommended that you consult your healthcare provider before undergoing this treatment. They can advise on whether it’s suitable for your condition and provide you with a safe program of movements and exercises. Additionally, they can advise on cleaning and disinfection practices in a hydrotherapy facility to prevent infection.
Increases Circulation
The warm water and buoyancy of a hydrotherapy pool provides the opportunity for exercise to be completed in a more relaxed environment. This reduces pain on joints and bones and increases muscle flexibility. The hydrostatic pressure from the water pushes blood inwards and upwards, promoting hydrotherapy pool circulation throughout the body which also helps to minimise swelling. Using the buoyancy of the water and different floatation devices, resistance is provided to exercise against to strengthen muscles while reducing bone and joint stress.
The exercises that can be completed in a hydrotherapy pool range from simple, low impact strength and balance exercises to more advanced cardiovascular workouts such as water jogging or side stepping. The intensity of these workouts can be altered to suit the individual’s ability and fitness levels.
Regular exercise in a hydrotherapy pool stimulates the immune system and improves the body’s ability to fight off illness. The warm water also promotes good blood flow which sends oxygen and nutrients to cells and organs.
Immersing yourself in a hydrotherapy pool creates a calming and relaxing environment which can help to relieve stress and anxiety. The heat of the water and the gentle massage of the muscles can help to relax tight muscles and encourage the release of serotonin, a feel-good hormone. The calming effect of the water also reduces cortisol, a stress hormone.
Reduces Stress
In warm water, the buoyancy of the body reduces your effective weight, taking pressure off aching muscles and joints. It also helps to improve balance and coordination as you move. And the natural resistance of the water makes every movement more beneficial – helping you to build strength.
The soothing jets in a hydrotherapy pool ease tension and help to relax the hydrotherapy pool mind and body. Combined with the soft cascading water and mood lighting, this can have a significant impact on anxiety levels. Being immersed in the water stimulates the release of endorphins which are known as ‘feel good chemicals’.
Hydrotherapy is a safe and effective form of exercise for many people, but an initial assessment on land by a specialist physio is important to check that it is suitable for you. The therapist will also be able to give you instructions on how to use the equipment safely and effectively.
A hydrotherapy pool is ideal for those who cannot perform cardiovascular exercises on land and has the advantage of being low impact, reducing the risk of injury to bones, joints and ligaments. It can be used with a range of conditions and injuries including arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and sprains. Exercise in the water can also increase the number of white blood cells in the body and improve lymph flow – a key immune boosting factor which gives you a head start against colds and flu.
Boosts Immune System
Soaking in a hydrotherapy pool not only relieves pain and improves circulation but it also stimulates the release of your body’s natural stress fighters called endorphins. These chemicals help ease tension and pain, and encourage a good night’s sleep by relaxing the muscles and relieving joint stiffness.
The warmth of the water also raises your internal body temperature, which acts like an artificial fever and increases the circulation of white blood cells around the body to increase immunity and fight illness, boosting your immune system in a completely natural way without any pills or medicines.
The buoyancy of the water lifts up to 90% of your body weight, creating a feeling of weightlessness while the massaging-action from water jets works on tight muscles and joints, helping to increase movement and reduce pain. It also provides resistance as you move your arms and legs, allowing for the body to strengthen without loading the joints, increasing muscle strength.
During the sessions, your physiotherapist will be present to ensure you are safe and comfortable throughout your hydrotherapy session, and to provide exercise guidance. Your physiotherapist will recommend a program based on the results of your initial assessment. The programs can include a combination of aquatic exercises, heat therapy, massage and relaxation in the warm water. The sessions last between 30 minutes and one hour, depending on your tolerance of the exercises.
