26/07/2025
Celebrating National Disability Rights Week 2025 with movement, empowerment, and healing through hydrotherapy
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Together, we champion inclusion and accessibility at HNU Rehab Med Unit.
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Hydrotherapy in Rehabilitation
Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, is a form of physical rehabilitation conducted in water.
It utilizes the unique properties of water:
buoyancy, resistance, and hydrostatic pressure to facilitate movement, reduce pain, and improve strength, balance, and function.
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In rehabilitation settings, hydrotherapy is particularly effective for patients recovering:
✅️stroke
✅️spinal cord injuries
✅️orthopedic surgeries
✅️chronic pain conditions such as arthritis.
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The buoyancy of water reduces weight-bearing stress on joints, allowing patients to perform exercises they may not be able to do on land.
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Additionally, the coolness & warmth of the water promotes muscle relaxation and improves circulation. Overall, hydrotherapy is a safe, adaptable, and evidence-based modality that enhances outcomes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.
1. Stroke Rehabilitation
Study: Chu, K.S., Eng, J.J., et al. (2004).
Title: Water-based exercise for cardiovascular fitness in people with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial.
Findings: Water-based exercise improved cardiovascular fitness and walking ability in post-stroke patients.
Journal: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
2. Osteoarthritis
Study: Bartels, E.M., et al. (2007).
Title: Aquatic exercise for the treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis.
Findings: Aquatic therapy reduced pain and improved function in patients with hip and knee OA.
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005523.pub2
3. Spinal Cord Injury
Study: Kesiktas, N., et al. (2004).
Title: The use of hydrotherapy for the management of spasticity.
Findings: Hydrotherapy significantly reduced muscle spasticity and improved mobility in spinal cord injury patients.
Journal: Spinal Cord
4. Chronic Low Back Pain
Study: Baena-Beato, P.A., et al. (2013).
Title: Effectiveness of aquatic exercise in improving pain, disability, and quality of life in chronic low back pain: a randomized clinical trial.
Findings: Significant improvements in pain and functional ability with aquatic therapy.
Journal: Clinical Rehabilitation
5. General Musculoskeletal Conditions
Study: Hinman, R.S., et al. (2007).
Title: Aquatic physical therapy for hip and knee osteoarthritis: results of a single-blind randomized controlled trial.
Findings: Aquatic therapy improves function and reduces joint stiffness and pain.
Journal: Arthritis & Rheumatism
