At ORS Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology, we are delighted to announce the expansion of our specialised services to now include Hydrotherapy for NDIS participants. This evidence-based treatment modality harnesses the unique therapeutic properties of warm water to enhance movement, restore function, and alleviate pain.
ORS is committed to providing client-centered care. We are pleased to offer this valuable service to everyone in our NDIS community. This includes children, younger adults, and older adults.
The Evidence Behind Hydrotherapy: Why It’s So Effective
Hydrotherapy has long been recognised as a powerful intervention for a range of conditions impacting mobility and pain management. Extensive research supports its benefits, particularly for clients facing complex health challenges.
One of the main benefits of hydrotherapy is the buoyancy of water. This helps reduce the weight on joints.
This reduction in load lowers pain and reduces stress on damaged or inflamed tissues. This makes movement easier and more comfortable. Such properties are especially helpful for individuals with arthritis, neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or stroke, musculoskeletal injuries, and chronic pain syndromes.
The warmth of the water plays an essential role as well, promoting muscle relaxation and enhancing blood circulation. Improved circulation helps reduce muscle spasms and stiffness, supporting greater ease of movement. Additionally, water provides natural resistance, allowing clients to build muscle strength and endurance at a controlled and safe intensity—often less achievable through conventional land-based exercise.
Hydrotherapy also allows for modifications to improve balance, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness, key factors in enhancing overall functional capacity. For many NDIS clients, difficulties with pain and reduced mobility pose barriers to traditional exercise and rehabilitation programs. Hydrotherapy presents a gentle, supportive environment to overcome these barriers, fostering physical progress in a safe setting.
Safety First: Comprehensive Risk Assessment at ORS
At ORS, the safety of our clients is our highest priority. Before beginning hydrotherapy, every client undergoes a thorough risk assessment conducted by our experienced team of physiotherapists and exercise physiologists. This individualised evaluation ensures hydrotherapy is the appropriate modality based on each person’s unique health profile.
We carefully consider important factors such as:
- Medical history
- Skin integrity and any dermatological concerns
- Epilepsy History
- Cardiovascular health status
- Current mobility levels and functional goals
This detailed assessment enables us to design a customised hydrotherapy program that minimises risk while maximising therapeutic benefit. ORS’ dedicated professionals adhere strictly to the Australian Physiotherapy Association Hydrotherapy Guidelines, ensuring that every session is delivered within a safe, clinical, and supportive environment.
What to Expect During a Typical Hydrotherapy Session at ORS
Hydrotherapy sessions at ORS typically last between 30 to 45 minutes and take place in our temperature-controlled therapeutic pool. The warm temperature helps optimise therapeutic effects and comfort during exercise.
After an initial warm-up to acclimate to the water environment, clients participate in tailored exercises aimed at improving strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular health. Common components of sessions include:
- Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises to maintain or enhance joint mobility
- Low-impact walking or jogging in water, which supports cardiovascular fitness without excessive joint strain
- Balance and coordination drills to improve stability and prevent falls
- Strengthening exercises utilising water resistance to safely build muscle endurance
- Cool down and relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tension and promote wellbeing
Our therapists continuously monitor each client’s response during a session, adapting exercises to match progress, pain levels, and comfort. This personalised approach ensures optimal outcomes while safeguarding client safety.
Hydrotherapy Benefits Clients Across All Ages
One of the greatest strengths of hydrotherapy is its versatility and suitability for clients of all ages and conditions:
- Children with developmental delays or neurological disorders often gain sensory input and physical support from water, facilitating improved movement and confidence.
- Younger adults recovering from injury or managing chronic conditions find that hydrotherapy reduces pain and enhances mobility in a low-impact setting.
- Older adults benefit from increased muscle strength, balance, and coordination, reducing their risk of falls and supporting independence in daily activities.
For NDIS participants, hydrotherapy offers an accessible, effective, and enjoyable approach to rehabilitation and wellbeing—allowing clients to reach their functional goals with expert support.
Get Started with ORS Hydrotherapy for NDIS Clients Today
If you or know someone who is an NDIS client who might benefit from hydrotherapy, ORS Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology are here to help. We encourage you to get in touch to discuss your individual needs and arrange a comprehensive assessment.
Together, we will develop a safe, personalised hydrotherapy program that supports your movement, function, and overall quality of life. Let us guide you towards improved physical health through the healing power of water.
