What is it?

Hydrotherapy is a form of treatment that uses water to treat physical symptoms. It might also be referred to as water therapy, aquatic therapy, pool therapy or balneotherapy. Water has been used for centuries in the treatment of ailments and injuries. Hydrotherapy is most effective when used in conjunction with another form of therapy and it can aid or speed up a recovery process. One person’s experience of hydrotherapy might be taking a warm bath, while others might perform exercises in a special heated pool. The term hydrotherapy also includes the use of pressurised jets, hot and cold temperatures and ice packs.

What does it involve?

CancerCare can offer hydrotherapy to clients who are already in service. Clients can choose to take up to 10 sessions of hydrotherapy alongside their core therapy, if their therapist deems it safe and beneficial. Clients would need to refer via the usual process of contacting CancerCare’s Therapy Coordination Team (TCT).

Sessions take place at specialist facilities across the patch. Each location has a heated pool that is specially designed for the purpose of hydrotherapy. Your experience of hydrotherapy depends on which form you receive. It can be as simple as a bath or shower at home, or you might attend a pool for your sessions. Most hydrotherapy techniques have both at-home versions and more specialised applications done at dedicated clinics.

What are the benefits?

Research suggests that hydrotherapy may:

• Reduce lymphedema (swelling): exercising in water can gently stimulate circulation and help reduce swelling, especially for people who have developed lymphedema after breast cancer treatment.
• Ease pain and discomfort: warm water supports the body, takes pressure off the joints, and can reduce muscle and joint pain. It can also help loosen muscles.
• Improve quality of life: many people report feeling better physically and emotionally after hydrotherapy sessions.
• Help with fatigue: hydrotherapy may reduce cancer-related tiredness.
• Support emotional wellbeing: water-based therapies, such as foot baths or gentle immersion, have been shown to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation
• Increase strength and movement: aquatic exercise can improve joint mobility, range of motion and muscle strength in a gentle, supported way. It enables people to take part in exercises and activities that are harder to do on land.

To book hydrotherapy sessions, CancerCare clients need to follow our referral process, by contacting our Therapy Coordination Team.