Mobility
Practise walking and functional movement in a supportive environment.
Physiotherapist-led warm-water exercise
Hydrotherapy that helps people move with greater confidence.
Hydrotherapy is physiotherapist-led exercise in warm water, designed around each person's mobility, strength, balance and functional goals.
The water may reduce joint loading and provide support during movement, making exercise more manageable for some older adults and people living with pain, weakness or reduced mobility.
Physiotherapist-ledIndividual assessmentWarm-water exerciseProgress updates
Why hydrotherapy
Warm water can make movement more manageable.
Water provides buoyancy and gentle resistance, which may reduce the amount of weight placed through painful joints while supporting movement and exercise.
A physiotherapist can use the pool environment to work on mobility, strength, balance, endurance and confidence at an appropriate level.
Strength
Use water resistance to build strength at an appropriate level.
Balance
Practise control and stability with physiotherapist supervision.
Joint comfort
Exercise with less loading through painful or sensitive joints.
Endurance
Gradually improve tolerance for sustained movement and activity.
Confidence
Build confidence before progressing to land-based exercise where appropriate.
Who may benefit
Hydrotherapy may suit people who find land-based exercise difficult.
Suitability depends on the person's health, goals, mobility, pool access and physiotherapy assessment.
Arthritis and joint pain
Warm-water movement may feel more manageable when joints are painful or sensitive.
Recovery after surgery
Post-operative exercise may begin once medically cleared where required and assessed as suitable.
Balance and falls risk
The pool may provide additional support while practising stability and lower-limb control.
Neurological conditions
Programs may support mobility goals for people living with stroke, Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.
Reduced strength or mobility
Exercise can be adapted to current ability, confidence and functional goals.
Deconditioning after illness
A graded program may support a return to movement after illness, hospitalisation or reduced activity.
What we work on
What a hydrotherapy program may include
Walking practiceLower-limb strengtheningBalance activitiesRange-of-motion exerciseCardiovascular conditioningFunctional movement practicePost-operative rehabilitationTransition to land-based exercise
The program is tailored to the client's goals, health, current ability and confidence in the water.
Assessment and safety
Every client is assessed before entering the pool.
Before hydrotherapy begins, a physiotherapist reviews the client's health, mobility, goals, falls risk, water confidence and access requirements.
Where hydrotherapy is not appropriate, we explain the concerns and recommend alternative physiotherapy options where possible.
Medical historyCardiovascular and respiratory healthSkin integrity and wound statusInfection-control considerationsFalls and transfer riskWater confidenceMobility and access requirementsMedical clearance where required
Pool access, change-room requirements, assistance needs and transport arrangements are confirmed before the first session.
Referral pathway
From referral to hydrotherapy program.
A full-width connected pathway that keeps suitability, access and communication clear.
Referral reviewed
We review the client's goals, health information, location, funding and service capacity.
Physiotherapy assessment
A physiotherapist assesses mobility, suitability, risks and treatment goals.
Pool and access confirmed
We confirm an appropriate facility, appointment availability and access requirements.
Program begins
The client completes an individual physiotherapist-led warm-water exercise program.
Progress reviewed
Exercises are updated, with relevant progress communicated to the referrer.
For referrers
Clear information before, during and after hydrotherapy.
We accept referrals from providers, care managers, support coordinators, health professionals and families.
Suitability screening
We identify required information and confirm whether a physiotherapy assessment is appropriate.
Access coordination
Pool location, mobility access and appointment arrangements are confirmed before treatment begins.
Individual programs
Each program is developed by a physiotherapist around clinical and functional goals.
Progress updates
Relevant outcomes, barriers and recommendations are shared where required.
Funding
Hydrotherapy funding pathways
Funding approval, pool entry fees and travel arrangements may vary by referral pathway.
Suitability and available funding are confirmed during intake before appointments are arranged.
Service areas and pool access
Hydrotherapy across South East Queensland.
Appointments are available at selected accessible hydrotherapy facilities.
BrisbaneLoganIpswichMoreton BayRedlandsGold Coast
Hydrotherapy is delivered at selected pool facilities rather than in the client's home. Pool location and availability are confirmed after referral. Selected Sunshine Coast referrals may be considered subject to clinician and pool availability.
Frequently asked questions
Hydrotherapy FAQs
What is hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is physiotherapist-led exercise in warm water, designed around the person's mobility, strength, balance and functional goals.
Do I need to know how to swim?
No. Swimming ability is not required. Water confidence, pool access and required assistance are reviewed before the program begins.
Is hydrotherapy suitable after surgery?
It may be suitable once the person is medically cleared where required and assessed by a physiotherapist.
How is suitability assessed?
A physiotherapist reviews health, mobility, goals, falls risk, skin integrity, water confidence and access requirements.
Where are hydrotherapy sessions held?
Sessions are held at selected accessible pool facilities. Location and availability are confirmed after referral.
Is the physiotherapist in the pool with the client?
This depends on the client's assessed needs, facility setup and required level of assistance. The supervision arrangement is confirmed before the first session.
How warm is the pool?
Hydrotherapy pools are generally maintained at a comfortable therapeutic temperature, which varies by facility.
How many sessions will the client need?
This depends on goals, health, response and progress. The physiotherapist discusses an individual plan after assessment.
What should the client bring?
Requirements vary by facility. We confirm swimwear, towels, footwear, mobility aids, medication and support-person arrangements beforehand.
Can hydrotherapy be combined with land-based physiotherapy?
Yes. Hydrotherapy may form part of a broader plan that includes home visits or land-based physiotherapy.
What funding options do you accept?
Funding may include Support at Home, CHSP, NDIS, DVA, private and residential aged care, subject to approval and suitability.
How do I refer a client?
Choose the relevant referral pathway online or call our team to discuss suitability and capacity.
Related services
Related allied health services
Refer for hydrotherapy
Could hydrotherapy support your client's goals?
Send the referral and our team will review suitability, capacity, pool access and the next step.