When moving on land is too painful, too tiring or just too hard, water changes the equation. Hydrotherapy, also called aquatic physiotherapy, is tailored exercise done in a warm pool with a physiotherapist beside you the whole time. The water carries much of your body weight, so you can often move freely in the pool long before you could manage the same thing in a gym.
At Pimpama Physiotherapy this is physio-led. It is not a group class you work through on your own. A physiotherapist plans your program, gets in the water with you, and adjusts every step as you go. We are based in Pimpama and provide hydrotherapy across the Gold Coast, Logan and Brisbane.
​
What Is Hydrotherapy (Or Aquatic Physiotherapy)?
Hydrotherapy is physiotherapy carried out in a heated pool. It is sometimes called aquatic physiotherapy or water-based physiotherapy, and it is a recognised part of how physios help people move better.
It is not the same as swimming laps or aqua aerobics. Those are general workouts. Hydrotherapy is slow, controlled and specific to you, with each exercise chosen for your body and your goals.
The pool matters too. A hydrotherapy pool is usually heated to around 34 degrees, noticeably warmer than a typical lap pool at about 28 degrees, which helps loosen stiff joints and relax tight muscles while you exercise.
​
How Hydrotherapy Works In The Water
The value of hydrotherapy comes from four simple properties of water. A good session puts each one to work.​
​
Buoyancy: Less Load On Sore Joints
Water floats some of your body weight. That takes pressure off painful knees, hips and backs, so you can move further and more comfortably than you can on land.​
Warmth: Easing Stiff, Guarded Muscles
A heated pool can increase blood flow and help tense muscles relax. For a lot of people, warm water simply makes movement feel more manageable.​
Resistance: Gentle, Graded Strengthening
Water pushes back against every movement. By changing your speed or adding aquatic equipment, your physio can build your strength gradually, without heavy weights.​
Hydrostatic Pressure: Support And Swelling
The gentle, even pressure of the water around a limb may help settle swelling, including after surgery.
​
Conditions We Use Hydrotherapy For
Hydrotherapy tends to come into its own when gravity is the problem and land-based exercise is too much, too soon. People commonly use it for:
​
Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain
Letting sore knees, hips and backs move and strengthen without carrying full body weight. See our knee pain page.​
Lower Back Pain And Sciatica
Using buoyancy to ease load through the lower back while you keep moving. More on our lower back pain and sciatica page.​
Post-Surgery Recovery
Practising walking and early movement after hip, knee or spinal surgery, once you are cleared to do so. See post-operative physiotherapy.​
Neurological Balance And Mobility
Working on walking and stability with much less fear of falling, since the water supports you. This pairs well with our neurological physiotherapy and stroke rehabilitation.​
Fibromyalgia And Chronic Pain
A gentle, low-impact environment for people who find land-based exercise tends to flare things up.​
Older Adults And Reduced Mobility
A safe way to stay active, often as part of aged care physiotherapy.
​
What To Expect From Your First Hydrotherapy Session
Your first step is a land-based assessment at our Pimpama clinic. This is where we check that pool therapy is safe and suitable for you, talk through your goals, and set a baseline to measure progress against.
From there your physio meets you at our partner hydrotherapy pool and guides you through a program built for you. Expect plenty of gentle movement, stretching and targeted strengthening. Sessions usually run for around 30 to 60 minutes.
You do not need to be a confident swimmer. Your feet can stay on the pool floor, or you can use flotation aids, the whole way through. Your physiotherapist stays with you for the entire session.
​
Hydrotherapy Funding: NDIS, Support at Home and more
Hydrotherapy can often be funded rather than paid out of pocket. Depending on your situation you may be able to access it through:
-
The NDIS, usually as part of your physiotherapy or exercise supports. We are a registered NDIS provider for self-managed participants.
-
Support at Home and aged care funding.
-
DVA and Medicare chronic-disease plans for eligible patients.
-
Private health funds, many of which offer a rebate on physiotherapy.
Eligibility always depends on your individual circumstances and plan. The easiest thing is to ask us and we will talk you through it.
​
Is Hydrotherapy Right for You?
Hydrotherapy suits a lot of people, but not everyone. It may not be suitable if you have certain heart conditions, open wounds, active infections or some continence concerns, which is exactly why we start with a land-based assessment. We would rather tell you honestly whether the pool is the right next step than sign you up regardless.
​
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy, or aquatic physiotherapy, is physiotherapy done in a warm pool. The water supports your body weight and adds gentle resistance, so you can move, stretch and build strength with less load on painful joints than you would have on land.
​
What are the benefits of hydrotherapy?
Warmth and buoyancy make movement more comfortable, so many people can exercise sooner and more freely than they can on land. It is a gentle way to work on strength, mobility, balance and confidence, especially when pain, surgery or a neurological condition makes land-based exercise hard.
​
Is hydrotherapy the same as swimming or aqua aerobics?
No. Swimming and aqua aerobics are general workouts. Hydrotherapy is slower, more controlled and tailored to your specific condition, and a physiotherapist guides every session.
​
Do I need to know how to swim?
No. Sessions run in water shallow enough to keep your feet on the floor, and flotation aids are available. Your physiotherapist is with you the entire time.
​
Is hydrotherapy covered by the NDIS?
For eligible participants it often is, usually within your physiotherapy or exercise supports. What is covered depends on your goals and plan, so contact us to talk through your circumstances.
​
Where do the sessions take place?
Your initial assessment is at our Pimpama clinic, and the pool sessions run at our partner heated hydrotherapy pool, within reach of the Gold Coast, Logan and Brisbane.
​
How warm is a hydrotherapy pool?
Around 34 degrees, which is warmer than a standard lap pool. The extra warmth helps loosen joints and relax muscles while you move.
This information is general and is not a substitute for an individual assessment. Please book an appointment for advice tailored to you.
Think hydrotherapy might suit you? Book a land-based assessment at our Pimpama clinic and we will tell you honestly whether the pool is the right next step.
​
