March 2, 2023
Written by: Ruchi Chhabria (Neuro Physiotherapist at OHC)
Hydrotherapy or Aquatic Therapy is movement or exercises in a warm water environment in a specialized hydrotherapy pool using floats or properties of water to assist or resist movement. Others know it as pool physical therapy.
Osteopathic Health Center offers Hydrotherapy in Dubai and run by qualified rehabilitation specialists and Physiotherapists.
Watch the video below to understand more about Hydrotherapy:
The Unique Properties of Water in Hydrotherapy Pool
Water is an ideal environment for exercises and rehabilitation because of these four (4) properties:
1. Buoyancy
When you’re walking in water, 50% of your body is taken off because there is pressure from water pushing you up.
2. Dynamic Resistance
It’s the resistance of water when it presses up against you when you move, and can help strengthen our body and joints
3. Hydrostatic Pressure
It’s the pressure of water against your skin on your joint so it limits lactic acid build up and also limits inflammatory process of arthritis.
4. Temperature
A specialized hydro pool’s temperature is at 33 to 36 degrees Celsius and is kept warmer than your average swimming pool which helps the muscles to relax and is soothing for painful muscles and joints.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy
- It helps to start rehab early and hence recover faster
- Significantly reduce pain and swelling
- Decreases joint stress
- Increases strength and range-of-motion
- Improves balance and gait
- Eases spasms and tight muscles
- improves your endurance
- Induces a deep sense of relaxation
- And most of all, it’s fun and stimulating medium for participation
What are the Conditions that Hydrotherapy can Treat?
Hydrotherapy can potentially help with the following conditions:
- Musculoskeletal Disorders: Hydrotherapy is commonly used to treat conditions such as arthritis, joint pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, and other musculoskeletal disorders. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints, allows for increased range of motion, and promotes muscle relaxation.
- Rehabilitation after Injury or Surgery: Hydrotherapy can aid in the rehabilitation process after injuries, surgeries, or orthopedic procedures. It helps with muscle strengthening, improving flexibility, and regaining functional abilities in a low-impact environment.
- Neurological Conditions: Hydrotherapy can benefit individuals with neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injuries. The water’s buoyancy and resistance can assist in improving balance, coordination, mobility, and muscle strength.
- Chronic Pain Management: Hydrotherapy may provide pain relief for individuals with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, or chronic lower back pain. The warmth and buoyancy of the water can help reduce pain and promote relaxation.
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Under the guidance of healthcare professionals, hydrotherapy can be used as a component of cardiac rehabilitation for individuals with heart conditions. The water’s buoyancy supports the body, reduces stress on the heart, and facilitates gentle exercise for cardiovascular conditioning.
- Stress and Mental Health: Hydrotherapy can have a positive impact on mental health and stress reduction. Immersion in warm water, hydrostatic pressure, and gentle movements can promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being.
What OHC Offers in Hydrotherapy Services in Dubai?
We regularly work in our pool on pre- and post- rehabilitation (i.e., conditioning of your joints before or after a THR/TKR (Total Hip Replacement/Total Knee Replacement) or any other bone or joint related procedures.
Pool-based rehabilitation for neurological conditions for adults and children are available as well. We offer a complete screening and assessment prior to coming to the pool. Providing the screening doesn’t flag up any contradictions, anyone is able to get into the water.
You do not have to be able to swim in Physiotherapy sessions in the pool.
Hence people of all ages can enjoy therapy, including children with special needs and senior citizens.
To know all the services that we offer under Hydrotherapy, please click this link.
