Hydrotherapy patient booklet
Date: October 2025
Revision date: October 2027
Ref. number: D-442/OL/Physiotherapy/Hydrotherapy
PDF: Hydrotherapy patient booklet.pdf [pdf] 343KB
What is this booklet for?
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Explanation of what hydrotherapy is and its benefits for patients.
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Which patients benefit from attending hydrotherapy.
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To ensure you are medically fit to attend the classes.
Contents
When should I not attend hydrotherapy?
What do I need to know before I start?
What is hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is a water-based exercise class where you complete your rehabilitation. Hydrotherapy warm water helps muscles relax, reduces pain, and improves circulation by dilating blood vessels. This warmth, combined with water's buoyancy, supports the body, eases movement, and reduces impact on joints.
This can be beneficial after surgical intervention or if you find land-based exercise too painful or challenging. It can be used as an early intervention when struggling to weight bear.
You are expected to complete hydrotherapy alongside land-based exercises given by your therapist.
How to get a hydrotherapy referral
All patients require an assessment by a physiotherapist prior to starting hydrotherapy. This ensures you are physically fit to attend the pool and helps set specific goals to work towards.
Ask your physiotherapist about a potential referral to our service to see if you would benefit from treatment.
Your appointment will be arranged by our hydrotherapy team. All sessions last approximately 40 minutes. It is a group setting, and your exercise programme will be individually tailored to your physical ability.
Benefits of hydrotherapy
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Buoyancy helps us move in the water more freely.
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Reduced gravity, relaxation, and the heat of the pool can help with pain relief.
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Increasing your exercise tolerance can improve your cardiovascular fitness.
When should I not attend hydrotherapy?
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Weight over 150 kg
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Signs of fever or malaise
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Any open wounds
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Allergy to chlorine
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Episode of diarrhoea in the last 2 weeks
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Shortness of breath when lying down
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Faecal or urinary incontinence
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Renal blockage
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Fear of water
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Cardiovascular event in the last 6 weeks
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Pulmonary embolism in the past 4 weeks
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Deep vein thrombosis in the past 4 weeks
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Any uncontrolled cardiac conditions
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Any uncontrolled medical conditions
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Any undiagnosed medical condition
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Inability to stand independently in water
Please inform your therapist if you have:
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Epilepsy
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Diabetes
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Blackouts
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Urinary tract infections
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Low lung capacity
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Radiotherapy in the last 6 weeks
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Pregnancy (36–40 weeks) or history of miscarriage
If you are in a wheelchair or unable to use stairs to access the hydrotherapy pool, we have a hoist chair and lift available.
Walking sticks are not permitted in the pool area. We provide walking frames in the department for use before and after entering the pool.
Our Service
Hydrotherapy at Derriford
Location: Level 3, Zone C
3rd Floor, Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Crownhill, Plymouth, Devon, PL6 8DH
The hydrotherapy pool is located on Level 3 of the hospital. The entrance is level and accessible for all abilities, including wheelchair users. The pool has shallow steps with handrails and rails around the pool perimeter. A hoist is available for patients who require additional support entering the water.
Equipment to bring
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Clothes you are comfortable wearing in the pool
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A towel
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£1 (returnable) to secure your belongings in a locker
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A water bottle to stay hydrated
How many sessions can I attend:
Patients are offered 6 to 8 sessions at the discretion of the physiotherapist. Some may need fewer sessions; others may need more. We encourage a self-management approach to hydrotherapy in line with the NHS long-term self-management strategy.
Hydrotherapy is often an early form of rehabilitation, and progression to dry-land or gym-based therapy is often indicated.
If the hydrotherapy pool is closed, each patient will be contacted and their appointment rescheduled.
Hydrotherapy timetable
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30am to 1pm | 8:30am to 12pm | 8:30am to 1pm | 8:30am to 12pm | 8:30am to 1pm |
|
Paediatrics 4pm to 4:30pm |
1pm to 3:45pm |
What do I need to know before I start?
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Please arrive 30 minutes before your first session to allow time for orientation and paperwork.
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Ensure you are hydrated. A water dispenser is located by the pool.
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All participants must shower on the poolside before entering the pool.
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You do not need to be able to swim. The pool is 1 metre deep at the entrance and 1.3 metres at its deepest. Handrails are available throughout.
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If you are anxious about being in the water, please inform your therapist. You will be supervised and assisted throughout your session.
Side effects
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The warmth of the water and exercise may cause tiredness or fatigue. These symptoms are normal and should improve after a few sessions.
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Hydrotherapy involves exercise, which may temporarily aggravate symptoms or increase pain. This usually improves over time and does not cause harm
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Stay hydrated before and after each session.
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If you feel faint, dizzy, unwell, or experience chest pain, inform your physiotherapist immediately.
During a session:
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When entering the hydrotherapy pool, we have easy access steps with a handrail for support and a hoist is available if required.
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There is a rail around the edge of the pool to hold onto if you have difficulties with your balance.
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Sessions last up to 40 minutes. If you feel unwell, inform your physiotherapist immediately.
Post hydrotherapy session:
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Ensure you shower thoroughly after your session to wash off any chlorine.
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After changing, visit the hydrotherapy reception to book your follow-up appointment.
If you are unable to attend any hydrotherapy appointment, please call 01752 432208 and leave a voicemail.
You must give at least 48 hours’ notice to reschedule your appointment.
