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Hydrotherapy
Our clinic at The Royal Hospital Chelsea has one of the largest hydrotherapy pools in Central London. We offer self-pay and insurance funded rehabilitation packages, individual hydrotherapy sessions and a variety of plans to promote and deliver the best outcomes for patients using water and land-based physiotherapy interventions.
Hydrotherapy During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Hydrotherapy and Physiotherapy services at the Royal Hospital Chelsea have now returned to normal hours.
Hydrotherapy Initial Appointments
Due to limited hydrotherapy availability, and to limit face-to-face contact, we now complete the first 30 minutes of the initial assessment online via video appointment. This is to take you history, complete a brief functional assessment and assess your suitability for hydrotherapy. This will be followed up with a 30-minute pool session.
Keeping You Safe
- To comply with government guidelines your hydrotherapist will be wearing a medical grade face mask whilst in the pool with you and will limit the time spent within 2 metres of you where possible. You are also expected to wear a face covering whilst in the hydrotherapy pool, and in the communal areas prior to entering or on exiting the pool.
- If the hydrotherapist or assistant needs to come into close contact with you outside of the pool (i.e. to assist you on the steps to access the pool) they will wear gloves and facemask.
- There is an enhanced cleaning protocol in place.
- Please attend your appointment on time and alone where possible.
What is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic physiotherapy or aquatic therapy, is proven to be a safe and effective treatment in accelerating the rate of recovery for wide ranging conditions:
- Hydrotherapy pools offer an incredibly therapeutic solution to those suffering with a physical impairment.
- The support and resistance of the water can ultimately enhance exercises and create a safe environment for rehabilitation.
- The pools are heated to a very comfortable 34-36°C and also contain an automated hoist to aid entry and exit.
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What are the Benefits?
Gravity is reduced by one seventh when a patient is immersed into the water, and it can facilitate exercise techniques that offer both resistance and support. The warm temperature also prompts muscle relaxation, facilitates stretching and generally helps to reduce pain.
Watch the video of us featured on ITV Tonight treating a patient at our Chelsea Clinic, who reports the huge benefits hydrotherapy has made to his recovery.
What Conditions can Benefit from Hydrotherapy?
Conditions that benefit from hydrotherapy include:
- Hip, knee and shoulder pain
- Post surgery:
- Hip, knee shoulder replacements
- ACL reconstruction
- Knee and shoulder arthroscopy
- Surgically managed fractures
- Sports injuries
- Fibromyalgia
- Sciatica
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome-Hypermobility
- Lower back, thoracic and neck pain
- Non weight bearing following surgery
- Arthritis (including Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis)
Here is an example of some higher intensity pool-based running and jumping drills, that can be used prior to attempting on land. These drills prepare the lower body for impact running, jumping and hopping, with joint sparing reduced loads in the aquatic environment.
It provides a safer environment to help develop speed and power, with increased horizontal resistance provided by the water, but less vertical ground impact forces. Good trunk and pelvic form can be maintained with the overhead drills, that improve activation of trunk and pelvic musculature.
Why Choose Us for Hydrotherapy?
Unrivalled Expertise
Our hydrotherapists have at least five years experience in hydrotherapy. They are also physiotherapists and so during your thorough initial assessment are able to advise which form of treatment would be best for you.
Joint Replacement Specialists
We are one of the leading London providers of a combined land and pool-based programme for both non-operatively managed and pre/post joint replacement patients.
Access to Additional Specialists
We have excellent relationships with orthopaedic surgeons, sports medicine specialists and other leading medics, to whom we can refer you should the need arise.
Great Value!
Our hydrotherapy services start from as little as £21 per session. Following a course of hydrotherapy, you can also return for self-hydro, if necessary, to further aid rehab in a more cost-effective way.
Contact Us
Discuss your needs with our friendly team
and find out how we can help you return to fitness!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does hydrotherapy cost?
Hydrotherapy prices can be found on our prices page.
What happens if I can’t swim?
Do not worry if you cannot swim. A physiotherapist will be with you in the water at all times. The pool is not deep and you can hold onto the hand rails which surround the pool. You will not need to put your head under water.
What should I bring?
A swimming costume and any acute medications. We provide towels and dressing gowns.
How do I get in the pool?
Access to the pool is via steps with hand-rails if you are able. Electronic hoist access is available to those patients who are less mobile.
What are the side-effects?
The warmth of the water and the exercise may make you feel tired afterwards.
What happens if I have a surgical wound?
Waterproof dressings will be applied to prevent contact with recent surgery sites. We have stringent disinfectant measures which ensure clean water. The pool water is tested weekly for micro-organisms by the Health Protection Agency in accordance with their guidelines.
When is hydrotherapy not appropriate?
You will be assessed by a physiotherapist before your first hydrotherapy appointment. Certain conditions may prohibit you from hydrotherapy.