Hydrotherapy Can Benefit
There is considerable research to support the use of hydrotherapy in many conditions.
Hydrotherapy Can Benefit Following Conditions
Orthopaedic Conditions:
- Acute and chronic back pain
- Post Spinal surgery
- Joint replacements, reconstructions and tendon repairs
- Post fracture and sub acute sports injuries
- Sports-specific rehabilitation
Rheumatologic, chronic pain and arthritic conditions:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Fibromyalgia / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Hypermobility Syndrome/EDS
- Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis/Osteopenia
Neurological conditions:
- Strokes
- Acquired Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Guillain Barré syndrome, Post-polio Syndrome
- Movement disorders
Paediatric clients:
- Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Cerebral Palsy
- Developmental delay
- Autism
- Rett syndrome
Other conditions:
- Balance and general mobility problems
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure (Cardiorespiratory fitness)
- Maternal peri-natal health.
- Lymphodema
In an extensive review of research in 2008, evidence was documented to support the use of aquatic physiotherapy in the management of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, joint arthroplasty, fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis, back pain, upper- and lower- limb disorders, stroke, acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Guillain Barré syndrome, post-polio syndrome, adult cerebral palsy, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, cerebral palsy, autism, Rett syndrome, maternal peri-natal health, post-menopausal health, , obesity, lymphodema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, and sports-specific rehabilitation.
Benefits included reduction in pain, improved function, self-efficacy and affect, joint mobility, strength, and balance. (Geytenbeek J. 2002, 2008)
Geytenbeek J (2002) Evidence for Effective Hydrotherapy Physiotherapy 88 (9): 514-529
Geytenbeek J (2008) Aquatic Physiotherapy Evidence-Based Practice Guide Aust. Physiotherapy Assoc.