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Hydrotherapy
Further information about the content, reference
sources or production of this leaflet can be
obtained from the Patient Information Centre.

This information can be made available in a

range of formats on request (eg Braille, audio,
larger print, BSL, easy read or other languages).
Please contact the Patient Information Centre
Tel: 0191 223 2545

Published by the Patient Information Centre

Information Leaflet
2015 Copyright, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear
NHS Foundation Trust
Ref, PIC/153/0515 May 2015 V4
www.ntw.nhs.uk/pic Tel: 0191 223 2545
Review date 2018
Shining a light on the future

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 What if I have a comment, suggestion,
compliment or complaint about the
service?
If you want to make a comment, suggestion,
compliment or complaint you can:
 talk to the people directly involved in your care
 complete a feedback card, available on wards.
Some areas of the Trust have electronic
feedback touch screens, staff can help you to
use these. Your feedback allows us to monitor
the quality of our services and act upon issues
that you or your carers bring to our attention.
 ask a member of staff for a feedback form, or
complete a form on the Trust website
www.ntw.nhs.uk (click on the ‘Contact Us’ tab)
 telephone the Complaints Department
Tel: 0191 245 6672

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And finally..! Introduction
The warmth of the water and the exercises Physiotherapists may use hydrotherapy as part
you have carried out may cause you to of your treatment programme; this leaflet tells
become tired and dehydrated. It is important you about hydrotherapy.
that you drink plenty of water and rest for a
while after your hydrotherapy treatment. What is hydrotherapy?
You must let your physiotherapist know if Hydrotherapy means treatment with water
you feel at all unwell during this time. (hydro). It involves carrying out treatment in a
small pool that is specially heated so that it is
For further information contact your warmer than a swimming pool.
physiotherapist:
How will I know if I should be having
Name:………………………………………………... hydrotherapy?
Your physiotherapist will suggest this to you if
Physiotherapy
s/he feels it is right for you and the problems that
Walkergate Park
you currently have.
Benfield Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
You do not have to be able to swim to be able to
NE6 4QD
have treatment in the hydrotherapy pool.
Main telephone number: 0191 287 5000
How will I get into the hydrotherapy
Direct number: 0191 287…………. pool?
There are 2 methods of getting you into the pool.
Email:………………………………………………… There are small steps with a hand rail or a ceiling
track hoist. Your therapist will provide you with as
much assistance as you require with both these
methods.

6 3
What will happen while I am in the
hydrotherapy pool?
You will be asked to shower before you enter the
pool and again on leaving the pool. Once you are
in the pool, your therapist will carry out a
treatment programme specific to you, using the
properties of the warm water to assist. Your
session will last around 20 to 30 minutes but will
be individually assessed.
How many people will there be in the
hydrotherapy pool?
While you are in the water there will be
physiotherapy staff in the pool with you and there
will be at least 1 other member of staff on the
poolside. Other patients may also be having
therapy in the pool at the same time as you. If
you would prefer not to have other patients in the
pool with you, you can discuss this with your
physiotherapist.
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What should I wear?
To use the pool you will need to wear appropriate
swim wear and bring a change of clothes for
afterwards. You may also want to bring
showering products. Inform your therapist if you
require assistance. If you have long hair it will
need to be tied back or you may wish to wear a
swimming cap.
If you require assistance to get changed, it is
advised that you are already wearing your
swimwear on arrival to your session with clothes
that can be easily removed, i.e. dressing gown.
The ward staff can assist you with this prior to
your session if necessary. Otherwise there are
changing facilities within the pool area.
My physiotherapist has not suggested
hydrotherapy to me, why would this
be?
Hydrotherapy is not suitable for treating all the
problems that you might be seeing your
physiotherapist about. It also depends on what
stage in your rehabilitation you are at. There are
also specific reasons why you should not have
treatment in the hydro pool, which your therapist
can discuss with you.