How Hydrotherapy Can Help Older Adults Move Better

Exercise can become more difficult as we age, particularly when pain, reduced mobility, joint problems or weakness make movement on land uncomfortable. For some older adults, exercising in water can provide a different way to move.

Hydrotherapy uses the properties of warm water to support movement and exercise. It can be particularly useful for people who find land-based exercise difficult or uncomfortable.

Water changes the way your body moves. Buoyancy reduces the amount of body weight that needs to be supported, which can make certain movements easier. At the same time, the resistance of the water can provide an opportunity to work muscles and challenge movement.

Warm water can also make movement feel more comfortable for some people.

This combination can allow an older adult to practise movements that may be difficult on land.

Hydrotherapy isn't simply about floating or relaxing in a pool. A clinician can prescribe specific exercises based on someone's physical needs and goals.

These might include:

• Walking through water
• Leg strengthening exercises
• Balance activities
• Mobility exercises
• Functional movements
• Cardiovascular exercise
• Exercises targeting particular joints or muscle groups

The program can be adjusted depending on the person's ability and progress.

Pain can make people reluctant to exercise. This can create a cycle where reduced activity leads to further loss of strength and physical capacity.

For some people, the reduced loading provided by water can make exercise more manageable.

Hydrotherapy may be considered for people experiencing joint pain, reduced mobility, weakness or other conditions that make land-based exercise challenging.

It isn't appropriate for everyone, so an assessment by an appropriately qualified clinician is important.

The water can provide a different environment in which to practise balance and movement. Exercises can challenge stability while providing support from the water.

For an older adult who is nervous about moving or has reduced confidence, this can provide an opportunity to work on physical capacity in a controlled environment. As with any exercise program, the exercises should be matched to the individual's abilities and goals.

Hydrotherapy doesn't necessarily need to replace exercise on land. For some people, it can complement physiotherapy or exercise physiology and form part of a broader plan to improve strength, mobility and function. The most appropriate approach depends on the person's health, physical capacity and goals.

Enable Fitness Centre provides clinician-led hydrotherapy for people who may benefit from exercising in water. Our hydrotherapy programs are individualised, with exercises selected according to each person's physical needs and goals.

For an older adult, that might mean working on walking, strength, balance, mobility or confidence with movement. The aim isn't simply to exercise in the pool. It's to use the water as a clinical environment to improve physical function that can carry over into everyday life.

Want to know whether hydrotherapy could be suitable for you or someone you care for? Contact Enable Fitness Centre to speak with our team.