Hydrotherapy and Aquatic Physiotherapy
These terms are often used interchangeably. However, anyone can say they are providing “hydrotherapy” with no training or having only attended a 2-day course. There is no protection of the title, unlike physiotherapist, which can only be used by a Health Care Professional Council (HPCP) Registered degree trained physiotherapist.
Aquatic Physiotherapy is “A physiotherapy programme utilising the properties of water, designed by a suitably qualified Physiotherapist. The programme should be specific for an individual to maximise function which can be physical, physiological, or psychosocial. Treatments should be carried out by appropriately trained personnel, ideally in a purpose built, and suitably heated hydrotherapy pool.” – Aquatic Therapy Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (ATACP) 2021
Other terms often used are aquatic therapy, aquatic exercise, water-based therapy and so forth.
Aquatic Physiotherapy and Aquatic Therapy
These phrases are sometimes used interchangeably. Aquatic Therapy at Lymden Hydrotherapy Pool & Physiotherapy Clinic in Surrey (LHAP) refers to a highly experienced and trained Aquatic Therapy Physiotherapy Assistant Practitioner delivering an aquatic physiotherapy programme that has been devised by a physiotherapist. The physiotherapist regularly assesses the Practitioners competencies, monitors and reviews the programme they are delivering or supervising. The practitioner is insured by, and develops professionally as a member of, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). Many practitioners undertake their physiotherapy degree on a part-time basis whilst they work within the physiotherapy setting.
Other aquatic or water based exercise
All other forms of aquatic or water based exercise or techniques are usually provided by swimming instructors, personal and fitness trainers in leisure based facilities.
Swimming lessons may be conducted in the hydrotherapy pool for people with disabilities and special needs because the water is warmer, the equipment is available, including hoisting and changing beds that can be lowered and raised, and the pool water is kept microscopically clean, which is very important to people that are medically vulnerable. For further information you can contact the National Coordinating Committee for Swimming for People with Disabilities (NCCSPD) or Cerebral Palsy Sport.
