Have you ever tried hydrotherapy? Well, now’s your chance.
We’ve been organising hydrotherapy sessions during the summer months but because of client feedback we’re bringing it back and hoping to introduce it all-year-round.
Hydrotherapy sessions take place at Aqualife Leisure Centre (link opens in new window) in Victoria Park with Exercise Physiologist, Katie Vuleta. We use the indoor pool at Victoria Park, but an outdoor pool is available if preferred.
What are the benefits of hydrotherapy?
It promotes physical exercise and well-being to:
- alleviate pain
- strengthen muscles
- relax muscles
- increase joint flexibility
- improve circulation
- decrease anxiety and relieve stress
It’s ideal for people with low vision as the entire body receives support in the water so you effectively experience weightlessness. Hydrotherapy also creates a massage effect, kneading parts of your body so it becomes a soothing form of stimulation to your nervous system. It’s a great way to return to exercise after a period of inactivity and also can help to improve balance.
The warm water helps to manage conditions such as:
- arthritis
- joint and back pain
- osteoarthritis
- chronic pain
- post-surgery rehabilitation
Why choose hydrotherapy over land–based exercise?
Water naturally helps to relieve any pain or discomfort and reduces stress on joints. It means you can participate in a wider variety of exercise to increase muscle strength and physical function.
The resistance of the water during movement better strengthens muscles and the buoyancy provides better support.
Where do the sessions take place when, and at what time?
These sessions take place during term-time only in small groups of six or less people. Exercise physiology students are also available to offer assistance.
Day: Tuesday
Time: 13:00pm – 15:00pm
Meet: at VisAbility. You will be driven to and from Aqualife Leisure Centre in the VisAbility van.
What are the costs?
Entry fee cost is $6.40 plus the specialist staff fee to deliver the program. The service can be funded via Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) or the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
How do I get in and out of the pool?
There’s a convenient entry ramp into the indoor pool, and there’s a mechanical hoist and water wheelchairs should you require them.
The pool temperature is 30 degrees.
There are changing rooms and showers close by.
There is an indoor walking lane in the larger indoor pool if clients wish to use that instead of the hydrotherapy pool.
What do I need to bring?
- A swimming costume
- A towel
How to get support
If you have a diagnosis of vision impairment, please contact our friendly team to find out what low vision services and support we can provide to you both now and into the future.
There are also a number of low vision support groups within Perth and across the state, which can connect you with like-minded people to build friendships and offer support.
If you are a provider and wish to refer a client, please use our low vision medical certificate (online referral form) to make your referral.