Hydrotherapy — Therapeutic Exercise in Warm Water
Hydrotherapy (also known as aquatic exercise therapy) is a form of therapeutic exercise conducted in a heated pool, typically between 33–36°C. The unique properties of warm water — including buoyancy, resistance, and hydrostatic pressure — make movement easier, less painful, and more effective for many clients, particularly those with limited mobility, pain, or neurological conditions.
Exercare's accredited exercise physiologists design and supervise personalised hydrotherapy programs at accessible pool facilities across south-east Melbourne. Sessions are tailored to each client's condition, goals, and functional ability — whether you're recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or building strength and balance through the NDIS or a home care package.
No swimming ability required. All hydrotherapy sessions are supervised by your exercise physiologist in shallow water. You do not need to be able to swim.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy
The warm water environment offers unique therapeutic benefits that land-based exercise cannot replicate:
- Buoyancy reduces weight through joints — ideal for arthritis, osteoporosis and post-surgical clients
- Warm water relaxes muscles and reduces pain and spasm
- Hydrostatic pressure reduces swelling and supports circulation
- Water resistance builds strength without the impact of land-based exercise
- Improved balance and coordination in a safe, supported environment
- Greater freedom of movement — clients can achieve movements in water they cannot do on land
- Reduced fear of falling — the water provides natural support
- Improved cardiovascular fitness in a low-impact setting
Who is Hydrotherapy Suitable For?
NDIS participants
Cerebral palsy, stroke, MS, ABI, spinal cord injury, Down syndrome and other physical and neurological disabilities
Older adults
Falls prevention, arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson's, cardiac rehabilitation and general deconditioning
Chronic pain
Fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, musculoskeletal conditions — warm water provides significant relief
Post-surgical
Hip or knee replacement, spinal surgery — aquatic exercise allows safe early mobilisation
Hydrotherapy is not suitable for clients with open wounds, active skin infections, uncontrolled epilepsy, or certain cardiac conditions. Your exercise physiologist will assess suitability before recommending hydrotherapy.
How to Fund Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy delivered by an accredited exercise physiologist can be funded through:
- NDIS — plan-managed and self-managed (Capacity Building)
- Home care packages (HCP) and CHSP
- Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan with GP referral
- Private health insurance extras (check your policy for aquatic therapy or exercise physiology)
- Self-funded — contact us for pricing
Hydrotherapy Across South-East Melbourne
Exercare delivers hydrotherapy at accessible, heated pool facilities across south-east Melbourne. We schedule sessions at venues convenient to your location. Key areas include:
Hydrotherapy FAQs
No. All hydrotherapy sessions are supervised by your exercise physiologist in shallow water. You do not need any swimming ability.
Bring a swimsuit, towel, and any relevant medical information. If you have a medical condition, bring a list of your current medications. Your exercise physiologist will advise on any other requirements before your first session.
Sessions are typically 45–60 minutes including warm-up, therapeutic exercises and cool-down. Duration may vary depending on your funding type and goals.
Yes. Hydrotherapy delivered by an accredited exercise physiologist can be funded under NDIS Capacity Building — Improved Daily Activities (plan and self-managed). We provide all required progress notes and reports.