

Hydrotherapy - An Innovative Physiotherapy Treatment for Everyone
Are you recovering from surgery or an injury that is affecting your ability to move? Do you suffer from chronic pain that makes exercise and remaining active a challenge? Do you want to return to exercise in a safe and controlled way?
Hydrotherapy in a warm pool overseen by a qualified Canberra physiotherapist (after an initial consultation) may be the solution you have been looking for.
What Is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy (also known as aquatic therapy, water therapy, pool therapy or aquatherapy) is a type of exercise prescribed by a qualified physiotherapist or exercise physiologist and performed in purpose-built hydrotherapy pools. Exercises are tailored to each individual’s goals and their specific injury or condition.
The natural buoyancy and resistance of warm water often make movement less strenuous than land-based exercises, creating a low-impact and supportive environment. As such, hydrotherapy is often recommended for injury or surgical rehabilitation and the treatment of physiological disorders and weaknesses.
Conditions Treated with Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy may assist people of all ages and physical abilities, from elite athletes and those recovering from surgery.
Physiotherapists may use hydrotherapy in the treatment and management of many different injuries and conditions, including:
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Neurological Conditions (like multiple sclerosis or stroke)
- Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
- Stress and Anxiety
- Sports Injuries
- Work-Related Injuries
- Osteoporosis
- Skeletal and Soft Tissue Injuries
- Tendonopathy
- Chronic Pain
- Neck and Back Pain
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Joint Replacement Recovery
Are you dealing with pain or discomfort and looking for an alternative treatment? Give hydrotherapy a go.
The Benefits of Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy may offer many benefits, depending on your condition and overall health goals. It may:
- Help decrease pain (including chronic)
- Help reduce muscle spasms, aches, and tightness
- Induce muscle relaxation
- Promote relaxation
- Decrease joint stiffness
- Improve flexibility and overall ease of movement
- Increase muscle strength
- Develop balance, coordination, and agility
- Reduce swelling via hydrostatic pressure
- Improve general fitness
- Improve gait and posture
- Improve blood circulation and cardiovascular fitness
- Aid in the prevention of falls and injury
- Improve your sense of well-being
You don’t need to know how to swim to benefit from hydrotherapy; your physio will be there to support you every step of the way.
Your Hydrotherapy Questions Answered
What do I need to bring to my hydrotherapy session?
For your initial consultation and subsequent sessions you will typically need to bring swimwear, a towel, non-slip footwear (for moving around the pool area), a change of clothes for after your session, and any other personal items you might require (such as a drink bottle, goggles, swim cap, and so on).
How often should I do hydrotherapy?
This will depend on your individual needs and goals. At your initial consultation, your physiotherapist will conduct a detailed assessment of your injury or condition to determine the best treatment plan, which will include their recommended aquatic exercises and frequency of sessions.
Is hydrotherapy covered by TAC or WorkSafe ACT? Do I need a referral?
If you have a TAC or WorkSafe ACT claim and your physiotherapist has determined that you would benefit from hydrotherapy, then it will be covered. Your sessions may also be covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Comcare, or Medicare.
A GP referral is generally not needed.
Why Choose Active Recovery?
Patient Empowerment
Patients are at the heart of every consultation. We care about you and what’s important to you. We’ll listen to your story and help however we can.
Part of Your Team
Think of us as an integral part of your support crew—we’re committed to working closely with other professionals to help you achieve your goals.
Tailored Treatment
We provide our patients with tailored treatment plans specific to their needs and goals. We also provide up-to-date information and monitor your progress.
Our Hydrotherapy Sessions
We currently offer two options when it comes to hydrotherapy classes, private sessions and group sessions. Your physiotherapist will be able to advise which option is best for you.
- Private Sessions
Work closely with your physiotherapist in a private one-on-one session. This is preferred if you need personalised support, want to become familiar with the pool environment, or want to have your symptoms, response, and progress closely monitored.
- Group Sessions
Join a group session with your physiotherapist and 3 other participants. While your physio will continue to work closely with you, you’ll be able to enjoy the company of others who may be experiencing similar challenges.
Discover the Supportive Properties of Aquatic Physiotherapy Today
Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or simply looking for a gentle way to get moving again, hydrotherapy offers a supportive path. Guided by skilled physiotherapists and tailored to your unique needs, each session is designed to help you move with more confidence, less pain, and improved mobility.
Take the next step towards your recovery today.
Would you like more details?
visit our what to expect page
Give us a call or send us a message
we’re happy to answer your questions