FAQs

Does aquatic exercise work?

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.

Do I need to be able to swim?

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.

‍

Can exercise cause damage to my joints if I already have 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.

Where can I find more information on arthritis, exercise or pain?

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

https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/managing-arthritis/living-with-arthritis/physical-activity-and-exercise/

‍

Information on recommended guidelines for physical activity to stay healthy

Australia's Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/health-pubhlth-strateg-phys-act-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

https://gladaustralia.com.au/

‍

Can I do the program if I’ve had a hip or knee joint replacement or waiting for one?

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.

Will I be able to get a rebate from my Private Health Insurance for the program?

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.

If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Just email us at physio@hydrofunctional.com or call us (and let us know what you're question is or which video you are watching and the question you have). We'll get back to you asap.

I’m having trouble downloading Vimeo / the link to my video doesn't work, what should I do?

We are happy to help.

Please send us an email at physio@hydrofunctional.com or give us a call.

When will I receive my first video program?

You'll receive your first video program in your Week 1 email. Click on the link in the email to view the program.

I have a question for one of the physiotherapists, how can I get in touch with them?

Email at anytime to physio@hydrofunctional.com or call us on 0404 829 888.

Can I wear my glasses in the pool?

Yes, of course you can. You don't put your head near the water for any of the exercises, they are all done in a standing position. It's best to watch the video with your glasses on, try to set it up with less reflection on the screen for the best visuals of the exercises.

What is hydrotherapy and what is aquatic physiotherapy?

Aquatic physiotherapy uses the skills and knowledge of the physiotherapist related to rehabilitation, health, muscles, bones, walking, posture and exercise. It also involves individual assessment and goal setting. Aquatic Physiotherapists have extra training and knowledge in exercising in water related to the physiology of being immersed and the physics of forces and load in water. Our programs are designed by aquatic physiotherapists and you will meet them in your telehealth session.

Hydrotherapy is another term that is used and this also describes exercises for movement and rehabilitation. You can read more in our benefits and research page or see info from the Australian Physiotherapy Association on aquatic physiotherapy and the benefits here