at this rapy !
Ella Phan and CPL Physio Katherine Dare enjoying a hydrotherapy session .
We asked Allison for a few more details , like why is hydrotherapy good for people with disabilities ? And , can it benefit people without disabilities too ? Here is what she had to say ...
Hydrotherapy is great for everyone and particularly good for people with disabilities , because the water allows you to move more freely .
As part of our hydrotherapy programs at CPL , we design a program that is specific to the individual needs of each participant . That can range from tone reduction to allow better stretching , pain relief , relaxation , strengthening , or all of these things combined !
Rehabilitating an injury , like a knee or back injury , in water allows you to begin rehab often earlier than on land , because there is low or no impact on your joints . The intensity of the exercise can easily be varied , by working harder and faster to increase the resistance of the water . It can be as low or high intensity as you ’ d like it to be . These kinds of things are really beneficial to accelerating healing and regaining muscle function , or to improve your strength and flexibility .
Allison also shared that there are a few common myths when it comes to hydro :
• That it ’ s “ just for fun ” because some of the benefits are difficult to measure . There are so many therapeutic benefits , many of which I ’ ve mentioned on the left !
• That it is the same as learning to swim . I ’ m not a swimming teacher ; however some of the skills we practice in the water can be transferable to swimming lessons .
Try it for yourself ! Here are five simple exercises you can try in the local pool , at home or at the beach to help with muscle tone and fitness .
1 . Walking or running through water – moving twice as fast uses four times the effort when you ’ re in the water .
2 . Squat then jump as high as you can .
3 . Use your arms to push a pool noodle down in the water , pushing it away and towards you , just under the water .
4 . Kicking - add flippers for extra resistance .
5 . Treading water - use a flotation belt if required .
This is general advice only . If you have any specific concerns you should talk to your health care provider .
DO YOU WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR MOVEMENT ?
CPL runs hydrotherapy programs throughout the year to assist people with movement difficulties . The program is tailored to each individual ’ s strengths and therapy goals by incorporating balance , fitness and strength , flexibility and coordination skills .
The water can be a great place to relax and stretch your body . The buoyancy of the water can help you to take more of your own weight to be more independent , Plus you can also increase muscle tone and strength .
CPL ’ s hydrotherapy sessions are available across Queensland . To find out more , visit www . cpl . org . au / hydro or call 1800 275 753 .
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