Hydrotherapy - water treatments | Rehab Senior Kosmaj

Početna » Hydrotherapy – water therapy

Water unloads the body, relaxes muscles, and stimulates circulation. Therefore, hydrotherapy is an ideal method to provide relief to the body without straining joints and the spine. The warmth of water contributes to muscle relaxation and pain reduction, while ease of movement in water enables motions that would be difficult or painful outside of water..

At Rehab Senior Center, hydrotherapy is conducted in a specially equipped therapeutic tub, under the expert supervision of a physiotherapist guiding residents through individually tailored exercises and treatments.

The therapy is suitable for users of all ages and particularly beneficial for those with rheumatic conditions, postoperative conditions, neurological impairments, or general muscle weakness. Regular application can increase mobility, improve movement control, and speed up recovery in everyday life.

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is a type of physical therapy using water to aid healing and recovery. It does not merely involve bathing or exercising in water, but specially tailored treatments utilizing temperature, movement, and pressure to enhance bodily function.

In rehabilitation, it is used to facilitate exercise, reduce pain, and accelerate recovery from various conditions. Therapies are conducted individually, according to professional recommendations, and always in conditions adapted to the person.

Due to its versatility, hydrotherapy has become an important part of modern rehabilitation, especially for individuals who find exercising out of water challenging or who are returning to movement after extended inactivity.

How does hydrotherapy work?

Hydrotherapy is conducted in warm water, where simple movements or targeted therapeutic exercises are performed. In water, the body is unloaded, movements are made with less resistance and without additional joint pressure. The water temperature has a soothing effect on muscles, creating an optimal environment for therapy.

The combination of movement and thermal effects of water contributes to:

reduction of pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms,
improved circulation and lymphatic drainage,
greater flexibility and joint function,
reduced swelling and localized tension,
relaxation of the nervous system and stress relief.

Water exercises are always tailored to the user; they can be active, when the patient performs them independently, or assisted by a therapist, particularly in phases when movement outside of water is difficult or unstable.

Due to these conditions, hydrotherapy is especially beneficial for those recovering, experiencing significant pain, muscle weakness, or reduced mobility.

When is hydrotherapy recommended?

Hydrotherapy is most commonly introduced in phases when the body is still sensitive, movement is challenging, and traditional exercises on land are too demanding or risky.

Due to its adaptability and gentle action, hydrotherapy is often utilized as the initial step toward restoring movement and regaining independence.

It is recommended for:

rheumatic conditions such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, and spondylosis,
recovery after orthopedic procedures—joint replacement, knee, hip, or spine surgeries,
neurological diagnoses accompanied by muscle weakness or impaired motor skills,
postural disorders and painful spinal syndromes,
chronic stiffness and weakness in elderly individuals,
prolonged immobility, including conditions following a stroke.

Therapy is performed at a time when it’s crucial to enable movement without overload but with a clear goal of starting the functional recovery process through gradual body engagement.

Timely incorporation of hydrotherapy provides a safe transition to more active rehabilitation phases, with maximum control over effort.

Who is hydrotherapy recommended for?

Hydrotherapy is intended for anyone who wants to move with less pain, without strain, and with greater confidence.

It is most often chosen by individuals seeking a gentle yet effective start to rehabilitation, as well as those with limitations in dry-land movement.

This therapy can be helpful for:

Individuals experiencing physical therapy for the first time who may fear movement.
Older adults who want to maintain mobility with minimal risk.
People in postoperative or post-traumatic recovery who cannot immediately perform exercises out of water.
Users with a lower pain threshold looking for a gentler form of therapy.
Anyone aiming to improve balance, coordination, and bodily confidence through water-based movement.

Thanks to its flexibility and adaptability, hydrotherapy is also successfully used as a preventive measure for people with reduced physical activity or an increased risk of injury.

Side effects of hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is considered one of the safest methods in physical therapy, being non-invasive and adapted to the individual capabilities of each user. Nevertheless, as with any therapy, there may be mild, temporary reactions that do not require therapy cessation.

In certain cases, patients may feel tiredness after initial treatments, mild dizziness upon exiting the water, or short-term redness of the skin in areas exposed to heat. These reactions typically subside quickly and are part of the body’s normal therapeutic response.

Hydrotherapy is not recommended for individuals with:

Severe heart conditions
Acute inflammatory conditions
High body temperature
Active skin infections
Open wounds
Malignant diseases

Therefore, therapy is always conducted following an assessment by professional staff to ensure it is completely safe and effective. When properly applied and supervised, hydrotherapy provides numerous benefits without significant risks, making it a reliable recovery method.

Patient experiences with hydrotherapy

Based on previous practice, patients involved in hydrotherapy programs often notice visible improvements after just a few sessions. The most commonly reported changes include easier movement, reduced bodily tension, and increased confidence in motion.

Particularly positive reactions have been noted among individuals who initially feared movement due to previous pain, falls, prolonged immobility, or loss of confidence in their own bodies.

Water allows them to move again without pressure and strain, significantly affecting their return to functionality and daily activities.

In addition to physical benefits, patients frequently mention a refreshed sense of psychological relief, as therapy is conducted in a safe and relaxing environment under constant therapist supervision.

Hydrotherapy Pricing

The price of hydrotherapy depends on the duration of treatment, type of exercises, and whether it is applied independently or as part of a broader rehabilitation plan. Treatments are conducted in a therapeutic tub with controlled temperature, lasting 15 to 30 minutes, under the supervision of a professional team.

For further information on prices, available appointments, and scheduling, please visit our Contact page.

Other therapies available at Rehab Senior Center, which can be combined with hydrotherapy, include physical therapy, kinesiotherapy, magnetic therapy, ultrasound therapy, electrotherapy, massages, and group exercises.