Hydrotherapy

[kris123]

Has anyone tried this and does it help? I used to love going to the pool every week but it is too difficult and cold now and I do miss a gentle swim. Thought this may help exercise some muscles but it says that it is mainly for arthritis.

[amster]

Where can pools like this be found it sounds a dream for my hip that needs to be kept moving as it waits for replacement when it can fitted into a time I am well enough for the operation and they are not busy .

[kris123]

I just typed in hydrotherapy followed by town name - your doc should know if there are any in your area as they have to stamp the application form. Good luck

[Hidden]

I was offered hydrotherapy for arthritic pain, I would not be able to take advantage of it though as I cannot breathe in such humidity. Same for spa pools, my lung can't do humdity any more.

Most I can tolerate now is a shower or steam inhalation and even that can cause airway narrowing.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Zoee

Not all pools have this humidity any more. 2 I go to are positively er 'fresh' whilst the other can be a bit more humid.

Marie x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

The hydrotherapy at the local hospital where I was offered treatment is very humid, so not for me, it was a prescribed course of treatment on the NHS.

[cofdrop-UK]

Hi kris

I can only speak about the hydrotherapy at my hosptal and city.

I was refered to a physio by my rheumy and because my movements in my neck and back are so restricted my physio refered me to have hydrotherapy as well as land physio.

The water is lovely and warm and Jo, my physio says you should not swim in water which is so hot - it is too exhausting. Normally you have 6 sessions, the first one lasting only 20 minutes, as it is unbelievable how tired it makes you feel. The rest of the sessions last about 30-40 minutes, depending on how busy they are and how many patients - usually about 2 to 3 patients at a time. The will go through a series of excercises tailereed for your particular problem areas. I found it extremely beneficial, but as I was struggling with my HI infection and asthma and very sob, Jo said my breathing was too bad for him to allow me to have the 6th session. There is always 1 physio in the pool and 1 physio outside the pool.

Other than the hospital there is only one hydrotherapy pool at one of the leisure centres in our city. However there are no physiotherapists on site. It costs £10 per session which lasts an hour, but the time spent in the pool is only 20 - 30 minutes, the rest of the time is getting swimming gear on and off and 2 showers. You can only go to the one at the leisure centre if you have filled in an application form from them. This form also has to be signed by a physio or medic who can confirm you are able to do it and that you know how to do the excercises which will benefit you.

I would imagine you may be able to be GP referred, but not sure - you would have to check. As Jo says hydrotherapy pool is not intended to be used for a gentle swim.

I found both land and hydropool therapy very helpful and it has given me ways to try and keep the movement I have and if you get the chance to go I hope you find it as beneficial as I did.

Love C xxx

[cofdrop-UK]

By the way forgot to mention Jo was saying if you 'phone your local swimming pool they can tell you when they have a higher water temporature. Just a thought. X

[kris123]

Thanks for all your useful replies. My local hydrotherapy Charges £5 per session but don't know how long it lasts or what they do. If the doc signs their form then they chat with you as to what is best for you. As I have osteoporosis as well as severe COPD then I thought it may help (as well as the enjoyment). Guess I will have to see doc and see what he says.

[cofdrop-UK]

Wow £5 a bargain. Defo worth asking.. It was because of the arth I was referred but I do have osteoporosis too. It sounds as though there is someone qualified at your hydro kris if they talk through what's best for you. Good luck and I hope you find it really helpful.

XXX