Hydrotherapy with intergen health

Do i need medical clearance to participate in hydrotherapy?

Medical clearance is required to be obtained prior to starting hydrotherapy. When submerged in water, the organs are subject to different loads and pressures, affecting their ability to perform and function. For example- the hydrostatic pressure placed on the body can increase the effort on the heart to pump and lungs to breathe. This can result in the heart having to work harder and increased breathing with the lungs. It is required that a GP or appropriate medical professional assess and gives clearance prior to beginning exercise. Discuss this with the InterGen Health team for more information.

How can hydrotherapy improve function in those with disabilities or reduced function?

Due to the nature of water and its buoyancy, a heated pool is a great environment to practise functional activities and learn new movement patterns and techniques which can be transferred to land. The water provides a great alternative place to exercise and can target specific skills to learn Eg. Walking, sitting, standing. As gravity is reduced, weak muscles are easier to strengthen and move, creating new oppourtunities for improvement and greater quality of life. Overall it is a great environment for those with disabilities or reduced function to participate in therapy.

is Exercising and being in water Safe?

As trained health professionals, physiotherapists are able to assess risk and provide safe exercises and activities within the pool environment. All care is taken and risks analysed to ensure the safety of all people in the pool environment. A comprehensive screening is mandatory before starting hydrotherapy. Any concerns with your physiotherapist should be discussed prior to initial session.

i have difficulty walking on land, is hydrotherapy helpful?

For those with difficulty walking due to various health conditions, practising walking in warm water can help activate muscles which may not be activating fully on land. This can transfer to improved walking on land and help improve other tasks, such as standing up and balancing on land. Speak to your physiotherapist to see if this may beneficial for you.

Can Hydrotherapy help improve my balance?

Balance training in water can be a fun and exciting way to improve balance and reduce falls risk and improve balance reaction times. Games and activities can be incorporated into sessions to make it as engaging as possible for people from all back grounds of life, from children with disabilities to adults with autism or neurological degenerative conditions. Balance exercises need to be challenging, the turbulence of water can challenge a persons balance whilst remaining safe throughout the activities.

How can hydrotherapy help my low back pain and other pain i experience?

Completing physiotherapy in the water can help reduce the weight bearing loads going through your muscles and joints. People who experience musculoskeletal pain find the heat from the water and exercises completed help relieve low back pain and other joint pain, such as sore knees or hips. Having an individual program created to target pain and strengthen muscles can see functional improvements on land, such as less pain when walking, improved flexibility and improved ease of completing activities which require movement.