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This is not a class. You do the program of exercises in the pool by yourself, guided by information from us.
You can attend the pool any time that works for you (sometimes you may need to book a time or check when are the best times to go).
It's a bonus if you have a friend or family member who may also want to go for a swim or already attends the gym so you can head to the centre with them. Otherwise it's a "Kickstarter" for you and your fitness, strength and balance so you may start out by yourself but then get into a routine and build confidence to join some other exercise groups after the program has finished. We'll help you with this.
If you have extras cover for Physiotherapy and if your Private Health Insurance includes teleheatlh appointments then it's likely you'll get something back. Call your Private Health Insurance to see if your cover includes a rebate for Physiotherapy telehealth sessions.
Yes, absolutely. You mainly need to be able to access your emails as this is where we will send your video program. You also need a phone or tablet or computer that you can watch the videos on. Many people that would consider themselves not to be computer experts have found they have enjoyed the program. We are here to support you. We have ways of making the program less reliant on the technology if you're a bit more of a pen and paper person.
Yes, you can. You need to be able to watch your video program and technique tips on a computer and then we'll give you written instructions also (that you can take to the pool).
No. You will need an email address for the program. You could ask a friend or family member to set one up for you.
It depends on your individual situation. In most circumstances, if you've recently had surgery it's best for you to follow a rehab program by a physio or exercise physiologist you've seen recently as they know exactly what is right for you. If you're more than 3 months after surgery and you'd like to join the program then we are happy to have you.
If you're on the waiting list for surgery then exercise to become a little stronger before the operation will be of benefit after the operation. Aquatic exercise is a comfortable way to exercise prior to your surgery except in situations where you are in extreme discomfort.
Your program can start when it suits you.
Please send in your Expression of Interest as early as possible.
If you have any questions please email physio@hydrofunctional.com
There are some great organisations producing some excellent material on arthritis, exercise and managing pain. Here are some of them
General information on osteoarthritis
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/osteoarthritis
https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/types-ofarthritis/osteoarthritis/
https://www.msk.org.au/osteoarthritis/
Or give Musculoskeletal Australia a freecall and (weekdays 9am-5pm) and speak to one of their clinically trained nurses and
experienced volunteers for
- Information on arthritis
- Information on how to negotiate the complex health, disability and social services systems
- community resources in your area.
1800 263 265 or email helpline@msk.org.au.
Information on managing pain and symptoms
Managing your pain A-Z guide
https://www.msk.org.au/pain-guide/
Information on exercise with osteoarthritis
https://www.msk.org.au/exercise
Information on recommended guidelines for physical activity to stay healthy
Australia's Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines
Living Stronger from COTA - exercise classes and online exercise videos
https://www.cotavic.org.au/our-programs/strength-training/
https://www.together.vic.gov.au/fitness-wellbeing/living-stronger-exercise-series?
GLA:D AU exercise classes for hip and knee arthritis
No. Exercise programs designed by Health Professionals have controlled load which starts lower and gradually gets higher. Provided trauma is avoided (uncontrolled twisting or anything extreme), moderate exercise does not lead to acceleration of osteoarthritis. Exercise actually really helps people with arthritis get stronger, get moving and have less pain. Aquatic exercise has the added benefit of less vertical weight bearing load on the joint but can still push you hard with strengthening and also cardiovascular conditioning for your general health. Contact us to find out more. You can read more about the benefits of exercise and physical activity from Arthritis Australia here.
Quite a few people enjoy exercise in water and cannot swim. The pools we want you to exercise in need a shallow end where most exercises are done standing up. All the exercises are initially easier and then progressed to be more difficult as your confidence in water grows. You don't have to put your head under the water and you don't have to be able to swim.
Yes. High quality research in hip and knee osteoarthritis that our team has been involved in has shown aquatic exercise supervised and designed by a physiotherapist to be beneficial for pain, quality of life, walking and stair climbing. We have done more research recently to show how some exercises in the pool are less painful for people with knee arthritis.
There are no guarantees of success with any treatment program but aquatic exercise has a solid base of research, is a great environment to start in and all programs will be modified to suit you.