Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy or aquatic physiotherapy, is the use of a warm water pool for the purpose of rehabilitation. By combining hands-on pool-based physiotherapy treatment techniques and specifically designed exercises, hydrotherapy can help restore physical function in a warm, relaxing environment.

Treatment should be supervised by physiotherapists with specific training in hydrotherapy, and performed in a heated pool to allow for increased range of motion while the water supports the body.

For the purpose of rehabilitation, your hydrotherapy session will take place in a suitable warm water pool. We have a list of community pools that our therapists regularly use with clients. We can recommend one that is most convenient for you. Alternatively, you may prefer to use a pool at your home, in your building or place of business. Please note that we do not have a pool on-site at any of our clinics. Our therapists will travel to the approved location for your session. Please note there is a travel fee for this service.

Hydrotherapy and therapeutic exercise in a heated pool can improve joint range of movement. Muscles relax in the warmth of the water and muscle spasms decrease. Generally, pain in the body will also decrease.

Because gravity is countered by buoyancy, you will feel more supported, balanced and stable. The greater resistance of water also increases muscle strength and endurance. Furthermore, the hydrostatic pressure of the warm water can cause an improvement in areas with swelling.

Overall, you may feel more confident in your ability to move and therefore enjoy exercise more.

At Propel Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists have specific training in hydrotherapy. We provide treatment in home and community pools depending on your location and convenience.

We have established relationships with most of the therapeutic or warm water pools in the community and can facilitate access to them, as well as customize a hydrotherapy program to meet your needs.

Conditions that can benefit from hands-on, pool-based physiotherapy treatment techniques and specifically designed exercises include:

• Brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Chronic pain
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Post operative hip replacement
• Post operative knee replacement
• Tendinopathy
• Shoulder and arm pain
• Cerebral palsy
• Sports injuries
• Back pain and sciatica

If you have any pre-existing health conditions, it is always recommended to discuss with your family doctor before participating in aquatic therapy.   Your physiotherapist may also discuss with your family doctor if aquatic therapy is right for you.

Physiotherapists are regulated health professionals and therefore you do not need a doctor’s note or referral to see one. We do encourage open communication with your doctor(s) and you can let us know at your first visit if you would like them to be included in your correspondence.

Hydrotherapy sessions vary depending on client tolerance and therapy goals, however typically range from 45 to 90 minutes.

During your first hydrotherapy session your therapist will ensure you are able to safely enter the pool.   Therapists will often use aquatic equipment such as floats, paddles or noodles to help perform exercises or to add extra resistance.   Your session may be in shallow or deep water depending on your therapy goals.

The number of sessions you will need depends on your diagnosis, the severity or chronicity of your injury, your past medical history, and a variety of other factors.    Hydrotherapy sessions are often a great complement to in clinic therapy and can be very effective in achieving client’s therapy goals.

Your   hydrotherapy sessions may be covered under an employment plan that you or a spouse has.   You will be encouraged to check the details of that plan and submit your receipts for reimbursement.

OHIP (government-funded) coverage for physiotherapy services is only available at OHIP-licensed facilities for Ontario residents under the age of 18 or over 65. Propel Physiotherapy is not an OHIP-licensed facility.

We provide treatment for all Motor Vehicle Accident and WSIB cases.

Yes, our therapists regularly see clients in the home and at community pools.   Please note there is a travel fee.

For your hydrotherapy session, bring your bathing suit, towel and shower gel or soap to use after your therapy session.   If you have trouble changing on your own, please bring an attendant to help you.