What is Aquatic Physiotherapy?
Aquatic Physiotherapy is a type of Physiotherapy performed in water. Often referred to as Hydrotherapy, this type of Physiotherapy uses the properties of water to support the body, aid movement and increase strength with low impact. Aquatic Physiotherapy is typically carried out in either a heated Hydrotherapy pool with a temperature between 33 – 50C.
Doing Physiotherapy in the water can make it easier for some children to do certain exercises and movements, helping them build strength, reduce pain and achieve their physical goals. Aquatic Physiotherapy can provide your child with greater mobility and function, pain relief, improvement in coordination and a range of other benefits.
At Ready Steady Therapy, we deliver safe, fun, and effective Aquatic Therapy for kids and teens in a private, purpose-built hydrotherapy pool in Waverley (Map). Our sessions are tailored to make physiotherapy accessible and engaging for all ages. The pool is heated to a comfortable 34 degrees and equipped with a chair hoist if required for entry into and out of the pool. With full ramp access, on-site parking, and 1:1 sessions with a paediatric physiotherapist, we ensure a supportive environment. Choose between 30- or 45-minute appointments in a private or shared setting. Regular and block sessions are available to suit your child’s needs.
Contact us or book a pre-consultation to learn more about Aquatic Physiotherapy in Sydney.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy and Aquatic Physiotherapy
Aquatic Physiotherapy can be hugely beneficial for a range of physical conditions and disabilities, helping them perform exercises and movements that might be too difficult outside of the water.
From improved blood flow to temporary chronic pain relief and more, therapy in warm water can have a range of benefits for your child.
- Water supports the body, so the child feels freer and more confident to move.
- Warmer water helps muscles to relax helping to improve movement and flexibility.
- Strengthens weaker muscles with less stress on muscles and joints.
- Improves blood circulation and the circulation of white blood cells, which can provide immune system support.
- Relieves pain, including joint pain.
- Reduces muscle spasms and improves muscle strength.
- Improves cardiovascular fitness and endurance.
- Helps to improve coordination and motor planning.
- Allows children to experience standing and walking, which can be difficult to achieve on land.
- It makes therapy fun!
What conditions benefit from Aquatic Physiotherapy?
Aquatic Physiotherapy can benefit a range of conditions and disabilities, including:
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Cerebral Palsy
- Osteogenesis Imperfecta
- Hypermobility disorders
- Rehabbing musculoskeletal injuries, e.g. after a fracture
- Chronic conditions
- Neurological conditions
- And many more!
How does Ready Steady Therapy provide Aquatic Physiotherapy?
When it comes to children’s physiotherapy, ensuring your child feels safe, comfortable, and capable is our priority. That’s why we offer exclusive 1:1 sessions with a paediatric physiotherapist. For families with two children or two children who are comfortable sharing the session, we can accommodate them in the same session with two qualified therapists available, providing personalised care for each child.
About Our Onsite Aquatic Physiotherapy Sessions
We offer Aquatic Physiotherapy sessions every Saturday in Waverley, Sydney, providing a safe and effective environment for your child. Each session lasts either 30 or 45 minutes, depending on the scheduled time.
Available time slots are 8:45am, 9:30am, 10:15am, 11:00am, and 11:45am.
Our physiotherapists will meet you at the heated pool in Waverley, Inner Sydney, which has been chosen for its privacy, accessibility, and suitability for your child’s needs, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
We offer exclusive use of the pool for your sessions, and there is free on-site parking available for your convenience.
To make a booking for our Aquatic Physiotherapy sessions, please book a pre-consultation. For more information on our service areas, get in touch with our team!
FAQs about Aquatic Physiotherapy for kids
Not necessarily. Depending on your child’s ability, it may be possible to do the session with just your Physiotherapist in the water. However, we do recommend you get in the water too, so you can learn the activities and exercises to do with your child.
No. Ready Steady Therapy pays for the Physiotherapist’s admission cost.
Our sessions are 30-45 minutes in duration.
At your Aquatic Physiotherapy appointment, we recommend bringing:
- Any floats or supports your child uses in the water
- A swim nappy if your child needs one
- Any water toys your child uses
Hydrotherapy is an umbrella term that’s used to describe a range of therapies that use water, including Aquatic Physiotherapy. Aquatic Physiotherapy or Aquatic Physical Therapy specifically refers to Physiotherapy that is performed in a pool.
Hydrotherapy is often called Aquatic Physiotherapy, and vice versa.
