Aquatic Therapy

 Aquatic Therapy can be defined as follows:
“A physiotherapy programme utilising the properties of water, designed by a suitably qualified
Physiotherapist. The programme should be specific for an individual to maximise function
which can be physical, physiological, or psychosocial. Treatments should be carried out by
appropriately trained personnel, ideally in a purpose built, and suitably heated aquatic
physiotherapy pool.”    ATACP 2014

“Most importantly Hydrotherapy is fun, inclusive and enabling”  

Dr Heather Epps

Frequently Asked Questions:
Is there a difference between Hydrotherapy and Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic Therapy is the new name for Hydrotherapy. The reason it has been changed is to make it easier to review the evidence as Hydrotherapy is a generic term used for other treatments involving water such as colonic irrigation! This change will also bring UK practice in line with European and International terminology.

However just to confuse you Aquatic Therapy takes place in a Hydrotherapy pool.

What are the benefits of Aquatic Therapy ?

The benefits of performing Physiotherapy in heated water are numerous. The key differences compared to Physiotherapy on land are that the heat and apparent weightlessness experience in this environment can:

  • reduce muscle spasticity
  • reduce pain
  • make movements easier
  • help maintain skills being lost on land
  • enable new skills to be learnt in an unencumbered environment.
  • enhance cardiovascular response to exercise
  • enhance general fitness

 The upward thrust of water reduces the effects of gravity so that it is easier to move, stand or walk and enables muscle strength and power to be maintained or developed. Skills can be learnt in the pool and then transferred to land, such as learning to stand from a sitting position or jumping.

For clients otherwise struggling with land based Physiotherapy, Aquatic Therapy is ideal as there is more rapid progression and activities and exercises are varied. It is almost possible to disguise the fact that a physiotherapy programme is being conducted in the water as exercises can appear as simple play activities.

It is also possible to develop the programme for use in perhaps a local leisure pool or during an aqua aerobics session and certainly for adapting into land based activities.

What does Aquepps offer?

There are a number of elements to the services we offer through Aquaepps including:

  • Nationwide training courses for professionals who work in Aquatic Therapy pools
  • Teaching techniques to and developing programmes with parents, carers and others to perform at their own location.
  • One off assessments to establish whether Aquatic Therapy will be of benefit
  • Assessing Aqua Aerobic and swimming sessions for suitability for your condition(s)
  • Regular ongoing Aquatic Therapy treatment
  • Consultancy 
  • Medico-Legal  assessments and reports for the High Court
I do not have access to Aquatic Therapy  facilities can you offer treatment in a normal pool?

Yes this is possible however it is not ideal if you have a condition that limits your mobility or are in pain. If you have significant muscle spasticity or cannot move sufficiently to generate heat you are unlikely to benefit from Aquatic Therapy in a cool pool. In addition there must be adequate hoisting facilities if you cannot get in to or out of the pool independently.

Can you teach me the techniques so I can perform Aquatic Therapy with any individual in my care?

Yes, we are very willing to teach parents, other family members, carers, support and educational staff Aquatic Therapy techniques. Furthermore we can develop personalised programmes to make the most of your time in the water together.

Where do you offer Aquatic Therapy treatment?

We are able to offer treatment for children and adults in various hydrotherapy pools in Surrey or alternatively at your local pool. We also offer one to one teaching with staff supporting a client in their own environment. Please contact us at info@aquaepps.co.uk for further details and for areas we visit.

Do you teach Swimming?

No. Please contact the Amateur Swimming Association .

If you require further information please contact us: info@aquaepps.co.uk.