A patient's perspective on her hydrotherapy

This ladys suffers from Ankylosing Spondylitis which is a Sero-negative inflammatory arthroplasty affecting sacro-iliac joints, the spinal and thoracic joints and sometimes hip and shoulder joints. Tends to affect males more than females and people in the 20-40 age group. This condition responds very well to hydrotherapy and there are many groups organised by the National Association for Ankylosing Spondylitis which offer Hydrotherapy. With good management the likelihood of severe spinal deformity and rigidity which is associated with the condition is reduced.

"Having suffered with Ankylosing Spondylitis I have had some Physiotherapy on and off over the years. However with a recent flare up that affected my knees I thought it might help me. I had hoped that I could build up some strength in my legs, get them moving and perhaps shift the inflammation.

I certainly felt more free'er as a result. Whilst having my treatment I then got pregnant and we changed tact by focussing on strengthening my back and stretching my upper body:.

Advantages of Physiotherapy in water compared with land?
"For me, it was the opportunity to take responsibility. I carried out the exercises rather than being manipulated on the table. I found the exercises easier. I can do more and felt more benefit."

Guidance and support of the Physiotherapists?
"Physios are great. I've had 3 since doing it and each one had a different strength and a different way of doing something. They were flexible to my needs at each session so we only focused on what I needed"

General Overview of the experience of Hydrotherapy"
"I absolutely love hydrotherapy. It allows me more mobility and a sense of taking control. It is the only exercise I manage to do in a week so is essential."

Hydrotherapy case study

A 52 year old male desk based office worker.
This gentleman was experiencing a recent onset of worsening knee stiffness in his right knee first thing in the morning and the day after a game of golf.

On initial examination the knee was slightly swollen, the other leg was favoured with walking and the knee lacked full knee straightening. On testing of muscle strength he had some weakness in his thigh muscles and some tightness in his calf and hamstring muscles.

Friends had suggested Physiotherapy but the patient felt he needed exercises. He therefore had a hydrotherapy assessment on the recommendation of a work colleague who had injured his knee and found it very beneficial.

Treatment consisted of stretches, strengthening, balance and walking re-education.

After 5 sessions the knee was fully straightened, morning stiffness in the knee was a thing of the past and there was minimal stiffness in the knee after a round of golf.

This gentleman felt a changed man after treatment and has now even played consecutive days of golf, something that he would have never contemplated in the past. He now attends public sessions intermittently to continue with his exercises when his knee starts to become stiff.

Testimonials

"Having suffered with Ankylosing Spondylitis I have had some Physiotherapy on and off over the years.

However with a recent flare up that affected my knees I thought it might help me. I had hoped that I could build up some strength in my legs, get them moving and perhaps shift the inflammation.

I certainly felt more free'er as a result. Whilst having my treatment I then got pregnant and we changed tact by focusing on strengthening my back and stretching my upper body".

"I have been attending hydrotherapy sessions for the past two months due to knee immobility and complications following surgery for a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

The intensive program of hydrotherapy I have received from Tamsyn has been excellent. The exercises given have been totally focused on my particular problem and both Tamsyn's professional knowledge and support have been invaluable.

My condition always feels much improved after each session and would highly recommend hydrotherapy to those in need."

What does it treat?

• Arthritis
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Post fracture
• Post orthopaedic surgery
• Sports injuries
• Lower back pain
• General decreased fitness

Click to see the conditions we treat