Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy (or aquatic therapy) involves using the properties of water to do therapy-based exercises in a pool.

These exercises will be different for each patient and are aimed to help increase mobility. The temperature of the water in the pool is warmer than a standard swimming pool and is accessible for people who have difficulties with steps.

There are many benefits of attending hydrotherapy sessions, including:

  • improving your range of movement.
  • improving muscle strength.
  • improving balance and control.
  • aiding relaxation and pain relief.
  • enhancing wellbeing.
  • improving blood circulation.

Key contacts

If you have any queries please contact Hydrotherapy at the Royal Derby Hospital on: 01332 785520

Parking and location

If it is possible, allow plenty of time to arrive and find a parking space at Royal Derby Hospital so that you do not miss your appointment. This may mean giving yourself an extra 60 minutes to arrive, find a car parking space and then make it to your session on time.

Getting to the hydrotherapy pool early will also ensure that appropriate paperwork can be filled out on your arrival before entering the pool.


Directions to the hydrotherapy pool

  • Walk through main entrance at Royal Derby Hospital.
  • Walk along main corridor following the orange signs for 'Rehabilitation'.
  • At the T junction (end of the corridor), turn right and continue following signs for 'Rehabilitation'.
  • You will then see a red sign for 'Emergency department C' and a pink sign for the 'Hydrotherapy department'. Continue to walk down the corridor.
  • At the end of this corridor, turn right at 'Emergency department C'.
  • You will see signs for the 'Hydrotherapy department'.

Attendance

If you do not attend your first appointment without informing us, you will be discharged back to your referring therapist.

Once you have attended your first session, you will be given the telephone number to ring to make further appointments as advised by the Hydrotherapy staff. If you get the answer phone, please leave a clear name and best contact number.

Please contact the department as soon as possible if you cannot make an appointment. If you do not contact the department within seven days of a missed appointment, or fail to attend two consecutive appointments, you will be discharged.

What to expect

During your appointment

  • Make your way to the Hydrotherapy entrance (signposted) which is through the double doors not the changing rooms. Press the doorbell and wait until called to enter.
     
  • You will be greeted by a physiotherapy assistant at the door, so please wait there until they are free to assist you.
     
  • You will have an introductory talk with an assistant and will be shown where to change. Please try to leave all valuables at home.
     
  • It is important to inform staff of any changes in health conditions or if you are pregnant/trying to be pregnant. The hydrotherapy pool can affect many health conditions which may put you at further risk.
     
  • Please let us know if you require assistance changing. Carers or partners may assist. During the session they will be asked to wait in the corridor.
     
  • Be aware the poolside floor can be wet and slippery therefore non-slip waterproof shoes must be worn at the poolside.
     
  • Walking sticks and elbow crutches are not permitted on poolside. Please ask the therapy assistant for help if you normally use walking aids. We can provide a zimmer frame whilst at the pool.
     
  • Do not wear plasters - please inform staff if you have an open wound.
     
  • If you wear hearing aids, these should be removed.
     
  • You will be asked to quickly rinse in the poolside showers before entering the pool.


While you are in the water

  • There are steps into the pool which have handrails. Alternatively, a hoist is available if necessary.
     
  • In the pool, your physiotherapist will give you your own exercises based on the aims you and your referring physiotherapist agreed. These will be written on a sheet that is personal for you. Always ask if you are unclear what to do.
     
  • Your first session will last for approximately 20 minutes and all sessions thereafter will last for a maximum of 30 minutes.
     
  • If you feel unwell/overheated at any time, please alert a member of staff.


After being in the water

  • Once you have finished your session, rinse off in the poolside showers.
     
  • It is normal to feel tired and achy after sessions. Take it steady as you change and return home. Make time for a rest once home.


On completion of the hydrotherapy course

  • Once you have finished your course you will either be reviewed by your physiotherapist or discharged as appropriate.
     
  • You can request a copy of your exercises for you to continue independently in a public pool.

What to bring to an appointment

  • Swimming costume/shorts. You can wear a loose (dark) t-shirt if you wish
  • Towel
  • A cold drink/water in an unbreakable container
  • Any essential medication, e.g. GTN spray, inhalers, EpiPen
  • Clean, non-slip waterproof shoes, e.g. flip flops – suitable to wear around poolside and in the shower.

If a locker is required, please bring a deposit of a £1 coin, which will be exchanged for a locker token.