Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability in Australia, with an estimated 1 in 6 people experiencing a stroke in their lifetime. Here are interesting statistics according to the Australian Stroke Foundation:
- Someone has a stroke every 19 minutes
- Approximately 30,000 strokes occur annually in Australia
- Around 400,000 people are currently living with its effects
As stroke survivors often experience impairments in movement, balance, and confidence, it’s crucial to explore rehabilitation options that can aid recovery and improve quality of life.
What is Hydrotherapy and how does it help in stroke recovery?
Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, involves performing exercises in a warm water pool under the supervision of trained health professionals. The buoyancy of the water helps reduce the load on the body’s joints, making it ideal for people with mobility issues, like stroke survivors. Water provides resistance, 8 which enhances muscle strength and flexibility whilst supporting functional movement, making it an excellent option for stroke recovery.
Benefits of Hydrotherapy for stroke patients
For stroke patients, Hydrotherapy focuses on improving balance, muscle strength, coordination, and overall movement. The resistance of water also helps with neuromuscular re-education, promoting recovery of fine motor skills. Most importantly, Hydrotherapy for stroke recovery is known to reduce the risk of falls and improve confidence, as the water creates a safe, supportive environment for rehabilitation exercises. Hydrotherapy in Melton offers a range of benefits specifically for stroke recovery, particularly in the following areas:
- Rebuilding Functional Movement: Stroke survivors often face difficulties in moving freely or performing simple tasks due to muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. Hydrotherapy for functional movement exercises can help stroke patients rebuild these movement patterns by improving coordination and strength in a low-impact environment.
- Enhanced Balance and Stability: One of the most common and dangerous after effects of a stroke is impaired balance. The warm water of Hydrotherapy allows stroke patients to engage in specific balance exercises whilst minimising the risk of falling and injury. By gradually increasing the intensity and complexity of exercises, patients can regain better control and confidence in their body movements.
- Reduced Spasticity and Pain: The warmth of the water can help soothe stiff, painful muscles and reduce spasticity/involuntary muscle contractions, which is common among stroke survivors. As a result, patients often experience increased range of motion and decreased pain levels after a Hydrotherapy session.
- Improving Cardiovascular Health: Stroke patients often need to rebuild cardiovascular fitness that may have been affected by their condition. Hydrotherapy offers a gentle way to increase heart rate and improve overall cardiovascular health without straining the body.
Whether you’re new to Hydrotherapy or have been receiving treatment for some time, our tailored programmes are designed to support stroke recovery from the very first step. The benefits of Hydrotherapy are amplified when combined with a holistic approach, which is why we also offer both Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology. These services help you address underlying musculoskeletal issues and enhance your overall rehabilitation journey.
Hydrotherapy exercises for stroke patients: What to expect
A typical Hydrotherapy session for stroke recovery at Healthstin may include a range of water-based exercises, such as:
- Water walking: To improve gait and increase strength
- Balance exercises: To enhance stability and prevent falls
- Resistance exercises: To rebuild muscle strength and endurance
- Stretching and range-of-motion exercises: To improve flexibility and reduce stiffness
Start your stroke recovery journey with Healthstin
If you or someone you know is recovering from a stroke, we invite you to experience the benefits of Hydrotherapy for stroke recovery at Healthstin in Melton. This autumn, take the first step toward rebuilding movement, balance, 10 and confidence with our expert team. Contact us today to learn how Hydrotherapy can help you regain a fuller, more active life after a stroke.
Our Hydrotherapy services at Healthstin Melton are available under various funding options, making it easier for you to focus on your recovery without financial stress. These include NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), Workers’ Compensation, and Private Health Funds.
Call us at 1300 090 931 for more information, check out our website here or you can book a session here.
