Our clinic at The Royal Hospital Chelsea offers one of just a few hydrotherapy pools in Central London and is one of the largest of its kind having been bought back in 2011 to ‘save’ the hospital pool from closure. It enables us to provide effect state-of-the-art treatments for a wide range of patient needs that aren’t possible without a pool.
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.
What are the Benefits of Hydrotherapy?
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?
- 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.
- We have excellent relationships with orthopaedic surgeons, sports medicine specialists and other leading medics, to whom we can refer you should the need arise.
- Following a course of hydrotherapy, you can return for self-hydro, if necessary, to further aid rehab in a more cost-effective way.
- Our hydrotherapy services start from as little as £21 per session.
- Our patients really like us! Word of mouth is our biggest source of referral.
Read our Chelsea Clinic reviews here
Contact Us Now
Contact us now to discuss your needs with our friendly team and find out how hydrotherapy can help you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does hydrotherapy cost?
Our hydrotherapy services start from as little as £21 per session.
Self hydrotherapy services are offered only after having an initial one hour appointment.
Hydrotherapy Consultations
Initial one hour appointment £120
(includes land assessment & pool session)
1/2 hour follow up appointments £80
Self Hydrotherapy
Self Hydro one session £25
Self Hydro 6 session block £125
(equivalent to ~£21 per session)
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.
