Hydrotherapy classes:

Hydrotherapy classes:

Hydrotherapy is a specifically tailored form of therapy completed in a warm pool. It host a number of benefits allowing a child to increase flexibility, decrease pain, strengthen joints, aiding recovery and re-educating of normal movement.

This form of therapy is undertaken by a physiotherapist who will adapt the session to make in enjoyable for the child whilst encouraging them to reach their treatment goals in a fun and enjoyable way. Classes are tailored to both children and adults with the physiotherapist providing hands on assistance in the water. This form of therapy appeals to children due to the buoyancy of the water that decreases any pain through weight bearing and decreasing any negative influences such as poor balance or poor postural control.

Hydrotherapy has proven effective in conditions such as:

• Cerebral palsy
• Spina bifida
• Muscular dystrophy
• Autism
• Dyspraxia
• Downs syndrome
• Post surgery

Hydrotherapy classes are a fun experience, the use of floats and play in the water can enhance a children's rehabilitation. Due to the increased temperature of hydrotherapy pools (usually 33-36?), treatment time is usually advised as 20 minutes in the pool.

A series of initial gentle exercises will be undertaken during the beginning of the class in order to prepare the body for the session.

During the initial 5 minutes in the water your body will adapt to the heat and blood pressure and heart rate is likely to drop.

After 10 minutes circulation improves and body temperature will increase. After 15 minutes the muscles compensate and will become more receptive to passive stretching meaning tissue can be stretched beyond their range to allow a more permanent muscle length. Stretching will also facilitate the removal of waste products and lactic acid.

To book an assessment or for more information please email office@manchesterneurophysio.co.uk call 0161 883 0066 .