Hydrotherapy

The Therapy Block at Ryegate has a hydrotherapy pool where we provide aquatic therapy for children with a wide range of neurological and neurodisability needs.

A hydrotherapy pool is different to a typical swimming pool as the water is warmer (usually ranging between 33-36°C).

The pool is sunken which makes it easier to access and features modern lighting – including lights beneath the water – and colourful artwork around the walls.

It also has a hoist system which allows patients to be moved from the changing rooms straight into the pool and shower room.

Therapy sessions

At Ryegate the therapists use the pool in many ways. This can be as part of a therapy treatment plan, to help parents/carers increase their confidence in handling their child in the water, or as part of our group sessions.

Together with the parent/carer the therapist will decide whether hydrotherapy is appropriate and will then either refer your child to one of our hydrotherapy clinics or arrange individual sessions in the pool as part of a therapy programme.

Sessions are usually run by a therapist and a therapy assistant.

Feedback

We asked parents to fill out a feedback form following a block of treatment in one of the hydrotherapy clinics. Here are some of the comments we received:

“It was really good and beneficial to us and our child”

“We both enjoyed M’s interaction with the staff who got her moving more than we could have done ourselves”

“It helped my child’s mobility, making his legs more flexible”

“I think the staff that do these sessions are brilliant at their jobs”

“She enjoys it and looks forward to it”

“It helped my little girl to start walking and encourages her to use her left side where she has a weakness”