Have you ever heard the saying, “Just add water?”. It’s something we are taught from our very first days. Fussy baby? Just add water. Feeling stressed? Just add water. There’s something about this liquid gold that just makes everything better. Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, harnesses the unique properties of water to help in healing and rehabilitation. In Australia, hydrotherapy has gained in popularity as a way to help patients regain strength and functionality after surgery. By taking advantage of the buoyancy, resistance and thermal properties of water, it provides a soothing environment that can significantly enhance the recovery process. We will explore the mechanics of hydrotherapy and discuss its specific benefits and challenges for a clear understanding of what it can offer in the world of physiotherapy.

Hydrotherapy, or aquatic therapy, is a form of physiotherapy that uses the physical properties of water to facilitate exercise and rehabilitation. The temperature of the water also plays an important role, with warm water helping to relax muscles and increase blood circulation, aiding in the healing process.

In Australia, hydrotherapy is often carried out in specially designed pools that are quite different from standard swimming pools. These hydrotherapy pools are typically equipped with features such as:

• Adjustable water temperatures: Most hydrotherapy pools maintain water temperatures between 33°C and 36°C, which is optimal for relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow.
• Variable depth areas: Some pools are designed with different depth levels to accommodate various types of exercises.
• Hydraulic lifts and ramps: These are used to safely assist patients who have mobility issues into and out of the water.
• Resistance jets: These can be adjusted to provide additional resistance for muscle strengthening.
• Handrails and support bars: Strategically placed around the pool to help patients keep their balance and perform exercises safely.

Hydrotherapy facilities are typically part of hospitals, rehabilitation centres, or specialised physiotherapy clinics and are staffed by trained physiotherapists who specialise in aquatic therapy and are skilled in tailoring rehabilitation programs to the specific needs of post-surgical patients.

One of the main benefits of hydrotherapy is its ability to reduce pain without relying on medications, which can often have side effects or lead to dependency. The warm water used in hydrotherapy helps to relax muscles throughout the body. This relaxation encourages the body to release endorphins, offering natural pain relief.

The resistance provided by water helps in muscle strengthening and repair. As patients move through water, they face resistance in every direction, which encourages the muscles to engage without the need for weights. 

Hydrotherapy and traditional physiotherapy both aim to enhance recovery through physical movement, but they do it very differently. Traditional physiotherapy often involves weight-bearing exercises that can be challenging and painful, especially in the early stages of recovery. In contrast, hydrotherapy provides a low-impact alternative thanks to the buoyancy of water.

Studies have shown that patients undergoing hydrotherapy after joint replacements tend to experience faster improvements in joint function and pain reduction than those who only receive land-based therapy. Research also points out the benefits of hydrotherapy in improving mental well-being. Patients recovering from surgeries often face significant stress and anxiety, and the relaxing environment of a hydrotherapy pool can help alleviate these psychological barriers, contributing to an overall more satisfactory recovery process.

Guidelines and advice for patients considering hydrotherapy post-surgery:

• Medical clearance: Always seek medical clearance from your surgeon or primary care physician before starting hydrotherapy. It is important to ensure that the surgical wounds have sufficiently healed to prevent any risk of infection.
• Choose certified facilities: Facilities should be certified and staffed by qualified physiotherapists who specialise in aquatic therapy.
• Start slow: Begin with gentle exercises and gradually increase the intensity as your recovery progresses. It’s important to listen to your body and avoid overexertion, which can lead to setbacks in recovery.
• Monitor your response: Pay attention to how your body responds during and after sessions. Any signs of increased pain, swelling, or discomfort should be reported to your physiotherapist immediately.
• Consider your comfort: If you are uncomfortable with water or do not know how to swim, discuss these concerns with your therapist. There are various aids and techniques that can be used during sessions.
• Regular evaluations: Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are important to assess the effectiveness of the therapy and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.

Hydrotherapy represents a significant advancement in the field of physiotherapy, offering a scientifically backed, enjoyable and effective method for post-surgical recovery. As awareness and accessibility increase, it is positioned to become a staple in Australia's evolving healthcare landscape, benefiting countless patients on their journey to recovery.