Hydrotherapy vs Physiotherapy: Which Is Right for You?
If you are exploring physical rehabilitation options after an illness or injury, you will likely be deciding between hydrotherapy and physiotherapy. And although they share similar goals such as reducing pain and inflammation, improving mobility and restoring proper range of movement, they are very different in their approaches.
Stuck on which option is right for you? Rest assured that we have you covered. Here’s everything you need to know.
Understanding Hydrotherapy (Aquatic Physiotherapy)
Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic physiotherapy, commonly takes place in a pool area and harnesses the power of water to aid rehabilitation. It is a technique that has been practised for centuries, evolving alongside medicine to provide unique benefits for both your physical and mental health.
If you opt for hydrotherapy, you could be treated in one of three ways:
- Hot water therapy which utilises warm water
- Cold water therapy which utilises cold water
- Contrast therapy which alternates between warm and cold water
Treatment could involve gentle movements such as walking as well as utilising the hydro massage jets and underwater exercise equipment. If it has been recommended to incorporate hydrotherapy into your rehab treatment plan, your doctor, trainer or other health care professional will advise on the best exercises for your condition.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy has many benefits and can be an effective, non-invasive treatment. Benefits include:
Reduced pain
Aquatic physiotherapy helps to alleviate pain and discomfort from both short term and long term conditions by relaxing muscles, improving circulation, reducing inflammation and promoting the release of the body’s natural painkillers; endorphins.
Improved mobility
Hydrotherapy is a non weight bearing treatment which can make movement easier and more comfortable. By reducing the effects of gravity, you are able to reduce the load on your muscles and joints which is great for rehabilitation.
May support recovery
Hydrotherapy may help improve circulation, reduce swelling and support tissue repair, which can contribute to recovery times.
Reduced stress
Aquatic pools are often heated which allow your muscles to fully relax during treatment. This lowers stress hormones and allows you to feel calm which is essential for effective rehabilitation.
Conditions Benefiting from Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy can be beneficial for a range of conditions including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Neurological conditions
- Spinal conditions
- Sports injuries
- Recent surgery
…and so much more. A versatile treatment option, aquatic physiotherapy can be tailored to suit your needs. It’s a low resistance way to exercise because the water holds your body weight, allowing you to practice movement in a safe environment.
The Role of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is typically performed in a clinical setting and generally focuses on techniques that do not involve water. This could be a range of approaches including:
- Massages
- Heat treatment
- Therapy
- Muscle stretches
- Dry needling
- Joint manipulation
- Gentle exercises
…and more. Physiotherapists are trained in the structure and formation of the human body that enables them to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions that impact your bones, muscles, nerves, joints and more. Their expertise ensures that any treatment plan will be tailored to suit your personal needs.
One of the best aspects of physiotherapy is that it is highly adaptable, aiding with a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions as well as short term and long term illnesses and injuries. It’s versatility enables it to play a significant role in the helping you to regain movement and reduce pain, regardless of your condition.
Physiotherapists can and often do recommend hydrotherapy for treatment, especially at the start of physical rehabilitation because of the many benefits that it provides. You may find that your physiotherapist will also adopt some of the approaches listed above, providing a full range of treatment. Then, as your condition improves, they’ll tailor your treatment plan accordingly to ensure that you continue to build strength, reduce pain and improve movement.
Considerations and Expectations
Choosing The Best Treatment Option
When it comes to physical rehabilitation, it’s essential that you receive treatment that will aid your condition and not hinder it. Physiotherapy can be highly effective and covers a broad range of treatments so it’s important to listen to your physiotherapist carefully and follow their instructions. Exceeding the recommended amount of exercise, or incorporating additional treatments that are not in your plan could cause your condition to worsen.
Finding The Right Clinic
Your experience during treatment will differ depending on the physiotherapist and clinic that you attend. You should consider:
- The knowledge and experience of the physiotherapists
- The range of treatment that the clinic offers
- The injuries and conditions that the physiotherapist and clinic treats
- The specialisation of the clinic
- The facilities and equipment that the clinic has
- The location and accessibility of the clinic
- The reputation of the clinic and feedback from previous clients
Once you have done your research and short-listed clinics that align with your needs, you should get in contact with each and consider booking in for a consultation. This will better help you to determine whether the clinic and physiotherapist is right for you.
What to Expect From Treatment
As hydrotherapy and physiotherapy treatments are tailored to your personal needs, you will remain informed every step of the way. Your initial consultation will allow the professional to diagnose your condition and create a personalised plan that will best aid your physical rehabilitation.
They’ll share this plan with you and answer any questions that you have, ensuring that you are confident and comfortable with the proposed treatments.
Speak to An Expert Today
If you have an injury, or recovering from surgery then get in touch with the team at Optimise Health to understand how you can benefit from physiotherapy. We’ll assess your concerns and work with you to develop a personalised treatment approach suited to your individual needs.
Get started immediately by booking your appointment online or to speak to an expert, get in touch with our team. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
