Aquatic physiotherapy is another term for hydrotherapy. It is therapeutic exercise in a pool under the guidance of a chartered physiotherapist. Aquatic Physio Ireland run small group classes in a pool where you get an opportunity to enhance your recovery by exercising in water in a low impact environment. This allows you to move more freely with less pain.
No, it is not the same as aqua aerobics as these classes are run by a fully qualified chartered physiotherapist, who is also trained in aquatic physiotherapy (hydrotherapy). The knowledge and experience of the physiotherapist ensures that the exercises are specific to your needs and safe for you to complete taking your condition/complaint into account.
Aquatic Physio Ireland accepts referrals from doctors, physiotherapists and other allied healthcare professionals. You may also refer yourself if you feel aquatic physiotherapy may be of benefit to you. A referral letter is not always required but if a question of your suitability arises during the pre-screening process, a letter of suitability may be requested from your doctor prior to starting a class.
You may be entitled to claim some of the cost of the aquatic physiotherapy classes from your private health insurance but this depends on the private health insurance policy you have. If your private health insurance covers physiotherapy visits as part of everyday medical expenses, then you are entitled to claim back physiotherapy costs