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Discover the healing power of water! Our hydrotherapy programs, held at Valentine Hydrotherapy Pool, use water’s buoyancy and support to help you move with greater ease, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
Understanding Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, utilises the unique properties of warm water to promote healing and recovery. This time-tested approach has been around for centuries and is a popular choice for managing neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. By exercising in a warm pool, you benefit from buoyancy and support, allowing for freer movement while improving strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Health Benefits of Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy offers a range of benefits beyond just pain management and improved movement. Exercising in water can increase your metabolic rate, stimulate blood circulation, and even aid in weight management through increased exertion. These well-documented effects are why hydrotherapy is a recognised and endorsed approach within the physiotherapy community.
Team and Expertise
At Macquarie Physiotherapy, our team is led by Rod Millington, Warren Lovell and Shaun Frazer, expert practitioners with over 60 years of combined experience in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. With their mentorship and knowledge passed on to our staff, we ensure the highest standard of care and the best outcomes for our client’s rehabilitation processes.
How To Get Started with Hydrotherapy in Newcastle
If you experience difficulty or pain with movement, struggle with balance or mobility, or find land-based exercise challenging, aquatic physiotherapy (hydrotherapy) could be a great option for you.
We recommend contacting us to discuss your suitability for hydrotherapy. While generally safe, certain medical conditions or medications may require precautions or contraindicate participation.
A key factor for hydrotherapy is stable medical conditions. If you have high blood pressure, ensure it’s well-controlled with medication (if necessary) before starting. It is also important that any recent surgery involving skin incisions requires waterproof dressing before pool use.
It’s always advisable to consult your surgeon, doctor, or physiotherapist to confirm if hydrotherapy is appropriate for you at this stage of your recovery. If you have a heart condition you will need a letter from your doctor clearing you to exercise in water at 36 degrees.
Still unsure? Our friendly team can answer your questions and guide you through the process. Let Macquarie Physiotherapy help you discover the healing potential of hydrotherapy in Newcastle!
FAQ
What is hydrotherapy, and how does it work?
Hydrotherapy, or aquatic therapy, involves guided exercises performed in warm water (33-36°C). This relaxes muscles, eases joint pain, and supports your weight, allowing for an increased range of motion. Water resistance also strengthens muscles, making it a safe and effective approach for managing muscle and joint conditions.
What conditions can hydrotherapy help with?
Hydrotherapy is a versatile treatment approach that can benefit a wide range of conditions affecting movement and overall well-being. Here are some of the common areas where it can help:
- Pain Management: If you experience pain, stiffness, or discomfort due to conditions like arthritis, back pain, or muscle strains, hydrotherapy can provide relief. The warm water promotes relaxation, reduces joint pain, and supports your weight, allowing for gentler movement.
- Improved Mobility and Strength: Water’s resistance provides a natural way to strengthen muscles and improve range of motion. This can be particularly helpful for injuries, post-surgery rehabilitation, or for individuals with limited mobility due to neurological conditions.
- Rehabilitation and Deconditioning: Hydrotherapy is a safe and effective way to rebuild strength and endurance after injuries or periods of inactivity. Gentle exercises in the water can gradually increase in intensity as you progress in your rehabilitation journey.
- Balance and Coordination: The buoyancy of water creates a safe environment to practise balance exercises and improve coordination. This can be crucial for individuals at risk of falls or those recovering from conditions affecting balance.
- Arthritis Management: Warm water and reduced gravitational stress in a pool can significantly ease pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. Hydrotherapy exercises can also help maintain joint mobility and improve overall function.
- Safety and Comfort: If you’re apprehensive about exercising in water, especially after an injury or if you have balance concerns, hydrotherapy can be a great option. The water’s buoyancy minimises the risk of falls and allows for safe movement. Additionally, our physiotherapists can provide one-on-one support in the water, ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the session.
What types of hydrotherapy programs are available in Newcastle, NSW?
Individualised Treatment Plan: Our physiotherapists will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your specific needs and goals. They will then design a personalised aquatic exercise program tailored to address your condition and limitations. This program can include various exercises like walking practice, strengthening exercises, flexibility training, relaxation techniques, or even swimming, depending on your needs.
Speak to Our Experts
If you’re unsure whether hydrotherapy is right for you, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our friendly team can answer your questions and determine if this approach can benefit your specific condition.
How do I access hydrotherapy services in Newcastle, NSW?
Access aquatic physiotherapy in Newcastle with Macquarie Physiotherapy! Our hydrotherapy services are located at Valentine’s hydrotherapy pool. Contact us today to discuss personalised aquatic physiotherapy sessions for yourself, a family member, or a friend. From injury recovery to chronic pain management, let’s get you moving confidently again!
Do you have pain right now?
Whether you have an injury, you’ve just had surgery or you’re suffering from niggling or chronic pain, our physios can help.
Other Services:
Massage Therapy
If you suffer from neck, shoulder, back or leg pain, massage can help. We offer therapeutic massage techniques to relieve tight muscles and stiff joints. Our experienced massage therapists also give practical advice and tips on maintaining good musculo-skeletal health.
Exercise Physiologist
An initial assessment records your medical history, gauges activity level & capacity. We design an exercise program based on your goals. Your Exercise Physiologist will run through the program with you, to make sure your technique is correct. You can continue your program at home or in the gym, and we’ll review your progress.
Core Physiotherapy
These physiotherapist-run exercise classes focus on strength and flexibility for good posture and life-long wellness. Including mat work and Pilates-style exercises, we have classes throughout the week at various locations. See times here.
Manual Therapy
Our physiotherapists know when to get hands-on and manually manipulate joints and muscles. Mobilisation helps promote the healing process of the affected soft tissues.
Hydrotherapy
Casting & Splints
Depending on the injury, we may need to stabilise or mobilise tissues or joints for them to heal effectively. We also have vast experience with waterproof casts, custom-made orthotics, taping & bracing.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is used to reduce pain and restore function through the release of myofascial trigger points in muscle.
Rehabilitation Programs
If you’ve suffered an injury or had a surgical procedure, we can design a rehabilitation program to get you back to full strength.
Living Longer Living Stronger Classes
Macquarie Exercise Centre
Tues 11am – Balance & Fall Prevention
Fri 1pm – Strength & Conditioning
$10/class and $85 for Initial Assessment
These 60 minute classes are open to everyone! Give us a call today so that we can book you in for an appointment.
Core Strength Classes
Gateshead Clinic
Mon 5.30pm, 6.30pm (Men Only)
Wed 10am
Thurs 10am, 4.45pm, 6pm, 7.15pm
Fri 10am
$18/class or 10 for $150
These 60 minute classes focus on core strength and flexibility, including Pilates-style exercises with standing and floor work.
Stretch and Flexibility Classes
Macquarie Exercise Centre
Tuesday 8.30am
$12/class
These 60 minute classes involve a gentle whole-body stretch in a variety of positions. For anyone wanting to maintain or increase flexibility. Ideal for post-op patients.
Macquarie Exercise Centre
The Exercise Centre has the equipment and the qualified, experienced staff you need to help you to get the best out of every workout.
Belmont Practice
Gateshead Practice
Glendale Practice
Exercise Centre
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