EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
Hydrotherapy in Mackay. Keep moving while the water takes the load.
Sometimes exercising on land is just too hard. Your joints are too sore, your balance isn't where it needs to be, or you're early in your recovery. Hydrotherapy lets you keep moving and building strength while the water takes some of the load.
Our hydrotherapy sessions are run by an exercise physiologist at Mackay ARC (Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex) or 21Laps, at days and times that suit you. Every session follows a program built specifically for you.
or call 0436 304 161
What is hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is clinical exercise in a pool. It isn't swimming lessons or aqua aerobics. It's an individual session, with exercises chosen to suit your condition and your goals.
Water helps in a few ways:
Buoyancy
Supports some of your body weight, so there's less pressure on painful joints.
Resistance
Lets you build strength without heavy weights.
Warmth
Can help muscles relax and make movement easier.
Support
Slows you down if you wobble, so balance work can feel less daunting.
Who hydrotherapy can help
Hydrotherapy can be a good option if you:
live with chronic pain or arthritis and find land-based exercise painful
are recovering from surgery, such as a joint replacement, once you've been cleared to get in the water
have a neurological condition, such as Parkinson's disease, MS or a past stroke
are working on balance and falls prevention
are an NDIS participant with mobility or physical capacity goals
are returning from a sporting injury and need a lower-load way to keep training.
You don't need to be a confident swimmer. Most exercises are done standing in chest-deep water, and your exercise physiologist is with you the whole session.
Hydrotherapy isn't right for everyone. If you have open wounds, an infection, uncontrolled blood pressure, certain heart conditions or continence concerns, we'll talk about whether it's suitable, or whether land-based sessions are a better place to start.
Fees
Standard consult fees apply
A practitioner travel fee applies each way, based on distance from our clinic ($20–$40 each way).
You pay the pool entry fee directly to the facility.
Hydrotherapy may be funded through Medicare (with a GP chronic condition management plan), NDIS (self-managed and plan-managed), WorkCover or third-party insurers, depending on your situation. Private health rebates may also apply.
What to bring
Swimwear, a towel, a water bottle, money or a membership card for pool entry, and any medications you may need, such as an asthma puffer.
How hydrotherapy sessions work
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Hydrotherapy is available on request, or when it's recommended by your exercise physiologist or another health practitioner as part of your program.
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Your first appointment is an initial consult at our clinic. We'll go through your health history, assess your movement and strength, and check that hydrotherapy is right for you.
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We'll book your pool sessions at Mackay ARC or 21Laps, at times that work for you.
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For many people, hydrotherapy is a stepping stone. As you get stronger, we'll often add land-based exercises so you can keep progressing at home, in the gym or in our small group sessions.
Common questions
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At Mackay ARC (Mackay Aquatic and Recreation Complex) in Ooralea, or at 21Laps. We'll help you choose the one that suits you best.
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No. Most exercises are done standing in the water, and you'll have an exercise physiologist with you the whole time.
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It can, if it supports the goals in your plan. We see NDIS participants whose plans are self-managed or plan-managed.
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Fill in our booking request form and let us know you're interested in hydrotherapy.
Book a hydrotherapy assessment
Fill in our booking request form and let us know you're interested in hydrotherapy.
Prefer to talk? 0436 304 161