Hydrotherapy

Appointments with a physiotherapist are now available at Lochaber hydrotherapy pool (next to the leisure centre). During the appointment the physiotherapist will discuss your personal aims of hydrotherapy, any medical issues which may need considering when using the hydrotherapy pool and will teach and advise on specific activities and exercises to do in the hydrotherapy pool to help you safely achieve your aims.

The appointment costs £50.00. Please phone 07919 994044 to book.

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is a form of exercise carried out in a specially heated pool. The water is approximately 33 degrees Celsius. The combination of extra heat and the buoyancy of the water provide a relaxing medium in which pain relieving exercises can be carried out and thus improve general fitness levels. The level of exercise can be adjusted according to the age and fitness of the client. Initial screening appointments can be booked with a physiotherapist to provide you with appropriate exercises and activities.

Benefits of Hydrotherapy

The therapeutic benefits of immersion in a heated pool include:

• Improving and maintaining the range of joint movement
• Helping muscles to relax
• Helping to relieve pain
• Reducing pressure on weight bearing joints while exercising
• Facilitating rehabilitation

What does hydrotherapy treat?

Hydrotherapy can benefit many different conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Following fractures and soft tissue injuries
• Following orthopedic surgery (e.g. Total Hip Replacement, Total Knee Replacement, spinal surgery)
• Sports injuries
• Lower back pain
• General decreased fitness
• Reduced range of movement
• Neurological conditions such as Parkinsons disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Stroke (but not in 1st 3 months)

Can anyone use the pool?

You should not use the pool if you have an infected wound, a high temperature, are under the influence of alcohol, have cardiac failure (and are unable to lie flat), renal failure, are incontinent of faeces or have uncontrolled epilepsy.
In addition you should not use the pool during the 1st 16 weeks of pregnancy or within 3 months of suffering  : a stroke, pulmonary embolism, heart attack or DVT.
Certain other conditions need additional precautions taken
Check with your GP, consultant or the hydrotherapy physiotherapist if you are in doubt.

What will I need?
You will need to bring any sprays or inhaler that you may need, a swimming costume, a towel and shower gel.

What happens if I can’t swim?
Do not worry if you cannot swim. The idea is to exercises rather than swimming and you can stay within a comfortable depth and hold onto the handrails if you wish. A lifeguard will also be on the poolside at all times.

How do I get in the pool?
Access to the pool is via steps with hand-rails if you are able, otherwise there are two hoists available for those patients who are less mobile.