“Going with the flow”

It is suitable for all ages and abilities. You do not have to be a swimmer to participate in or benefit from hydrotherapy. No previous experience is required.

By stepping into the pool, you switch from gravity to buoyancy, therefore, the body is in a completely different environment in terms of force distribution inside the body, known as hydrostatic pressure. This create optimal conditions to increase muscle tissue tone and gentle passive or active movements.

The immersion properties of the water, and absence of gravity, allows you to exercise with reduced or no weight through your injured or painful joints or bones, meaning you have better movement and control in the water than you would on land.

Water is thermoneutral body temperature (32-35 Celsius degrees). No, it is not too hot!. After a while of being in the water the body temperature drops and your body will feel cold and uncomfortable. This will hinder and defeat the purpose or outcome of the session.

WATER IS AT CHEST LEVEL providing a safe environment for correct body support in a supine or standing position. Depending on the venues, the depth of the pool varies from 90 to 140cm.

Aquatic Bodywork has been shown to help overcome deeply rooted fears of water by carefully guiding into a safe environment.

Combining the experience from both land and water, the zero gravity allows you for the most beneficial and rewarding therapeutic experience.
For me, it gives an extraordinary opportunity for both assessment and treatment.

While moving in water, we deal with the density-water resistance, which depends on the surface size and the speed of the movement. 

Always consult your GP and ask the therapist If you have a medical condition and you are not sure if you can receive aquatic therapy. Conditions must be stabilized and managed. Medical clearance in writing.

You can do light exercise and relaxation in the heated public pool. If that is your case, I can assist you by choosing an alternative form of Aquatic activity depending on your needs.

Adaptations can be made so you can still enjoy the benefits of floating in warm water

Many pregnant women like the gravity-relieving sensations of floating in water while carrying a baby, but your healthcare provider can confirm you’re a good candidate for this type of therapy. For this, land based modllities might be more suitable on a massage table such as Craniosacral Therapy, please ask me.

If water temperature exceeds 35°C = 95°F it becomes an absolute contraindication. It is safer after 4-5 months

Not appropiate for Aquatic therapy

Fever over 100 degrees
Uncontrolled epilepsy
Unstable angina, cardiac arrythmias, cardiac Failure/Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnoea
Significant open wounds
Respiratory disease of vital capacity less than 1500cm²
Severe urinary tract infection. Widespread MRSA
Blood infection, Active Tuberculosis, flu or Viral infection (nos raised temperature for 24 hours)
Tracheostomy
Bowel incontinence
Menstruation without internal protection
Infectious disease
Acute vomiting or Diarrhoea (48 hours clear)
Medical instability following an acute episode (eg. CVA, DVT, PE, Status Asthmaticus)
Proven Chlorine/Bromine/pool chemicals allergy
Weight in excess of the evacuation (manual handling risk assesment)
Malign tumours, unless there is written consent from the patient and oncologist

May not be appropriate. Necessary precaution may need to be taken

Skin infections with drainage
Small open wounds (can be covered with tegrederm)
Uncontrolled blood pressure (moderate high BP ok, but maybe not v. low BP. Ask doctor)
Unstable angina, cardiac arrythmias or additional cardiac considerations (ask doctor if appropriate to go in warm water)
Intravenous lines, heplocks, hichman line, external collection devices (ask doctor)
Cerebral hemorrhage (should wait at least 3 weeks after bleeding has ceased. Ask doctor)
Multiple sclerosis – may not tolerate warm water well (depends on client)
Chlorine/Bromine/ Pool chemicals sensitivity
Absence of cough reflex (would need to be monitored closely)
Dizziness, vertigo (may need to keep eyes open or client gives feedback)
Behaviour problems – inappropriate physical, verbal or sexual behaviour
Acute systemic illness/pyrexia, eg. Rheumatoid Arthritis flare-up
Fungal infections and skin conditions like eczema
Open infected wounds
Severe kidney failure
Unstable diabetes
Fentanyl Patches or Morphin. (They are Ok in thermoneutral temperature, 32 degrees)
Irradiated skin during radiotherapy and 6 weeks after course

Fear of water
Recent total hip replacement
Recent spinal surgery
Acute ligamentous instability
Recent bone fracture
Arthritic cervical spine (care with neck position required, especially hyperextension)
Pain with spinal or peripheral range of motion – many can be treated with modifications on the technique used.
Back/neck pain – bulged/herniated disc, facet irritation, spondylolethesis, arthritis (avoid extreme positions of spine)
Fibromyalgia
Frequent ear infections – may be appropriate to use ear plugs or medication
Incontinence of urine/faeces (Empty bowels and bladder to avoid dysreflexia -spinal injuries-)
Inefficient thermoregulation (special needs environment)
Tracheostomies (need to be covered to prevent infections)
Balance, stability problems or dizziness
Hypotension/ Low blood pressure (6 minutes is the time needed to find out)
Contact lenses/conjunctivitis
Hearing aids/grommets
Impaired sensation/vision/hearing