NDIS hydrotherapy: benefits, suitability and support

The Science and Benefits of Hydrotherapy: It could be the therapy for you

By Holly · Originally published 29 August 2018

A close-up photograph of splashing water

Original article and dated context

Holly is an accredited Exercise Physiologist working for Road to Recovery, a mobile service providing specific exercise therapy to people within their home and the community. Holly graduated from Sydney University with a Masters degree in Exercise Physiology. She provides services to clients with physical and intellectual disabilities as well as the older population. Find out more about Road to Recovery here.

What is hydrotherapy and how does it work?

Hydrotherapy or aquatic exercise is a specific type of treatment involving exercising in water. Hydrotherapy can be used to help improve one’s mobility, both pre and post-surgery, as well as allowing people to complete movements that their disability and pain, like arthritis, may prevent. Ramps, hoists and water wheelchairs, as well as varying the depth of water make the pool accessible for everyone. Hydrotherapy also involves the use of special exercise equipment, so we can strengthen muscles, improve posture and walking ability in a pain free way! (2)

The pool is set to a warm temperature, usually 32- 34C, to relax your muscles, stimulate circulation, reduce pain, decrease swelling and help reduce spasticity – especially beneficial for those with conditions such as Cerebral Palsy.

Hydrotherapy takes advantage of buoyancy, which is beneficial as it reduces stress on your joints, bones and muscles by reducing the weight-bearing load that goes through these structures. This means that the exercises performed in the water are more supported and less painful than on land. This is especially beneficial for those who find walking or weight bearing activities difficult on land due to the pain it causes.

Hydrotherapy also uses the principle of water density. As water density is greater than air density, your muscles need to work harder to overcome the resistance of moving in water. The amount of resistance you apply varies depending on water depth, speed and type of movement you are making. This allows for a variety of exercises depending on your goals and those set out by the Exercise Physiologist.

[Clickability update, October 2026: The benefits below are broad claims in the original explainer, supported by its older references. They are not guaranteed personal outcomes. Healthdirect describes tailored hydrotherapy guided by a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist.]

Who can benefit from hydrotherapy?

There are many benefits that hydrotherapy can provide for people with disabilities and with chronic conditions (1) Hydrotherapy has proven to:

Help manage pain levels
Work on your balance
Improve co-ordination
Improve strength and function
Increasing range of motion in joints
Improve aerobic capacity which is necessary for daily activities.

Hydrotherapy not only has physical benefits; it can also benefit one’s mental health. Hydrotherapy can also facilitate social inclusion and can increase your independence and confidence in accessing the local community. (4) Hydrotherapy has proven to increase self-confidence in people’s physical abilities; it can improve your mood, as well as changing your perception of exercise! It doesn’t have to be painful, it can be fun!

By itself, or alongside land-based exercise, hydrotherapy has proven to increase rates of adherence to exercise when people are affected by chronic pain. Exercising long term is important to improve one’s overall functioning, wellbeing and quality of life. (4)

Hydrotherapy has the potential for countless physical and mental health benefits, not limited to better movement, less pain and improved function and mobility. People from all walks of life and varying levels of ability can benefit from hydrotherapy. Get in touch with your Exercise Physiologist and ask if you could benefit from hydrotherapy!

References

Geytenbeek, J. (2002). Evidence for effective Hydrotherapy. Physiotherapy. 88(9), 514-529. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9406(05)60134-4
Mulligan, H., & Polkinghorne A. (2013). Community use of a hospital pool by people with disabilities. Disability and Health Journal. 6 (4), 385-390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2013.04.004
Silva, L., Valim, V., Pessanha, A., Oliveira, L., Myamoto, S., Jones, A., & Natour, J. (2008). Hydrotherapy Versus Conventional Land-Based Exercise for the Management of Patients With Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomized Clinical Trial. American Physical Therapy Association. 88 (1), 12-21. DOI: 10.2522/ptj.20060040
Stan, A. (2012). The benefits of participation in aquatic activities for people with disabilities. Romanian Sports Medicine Society. 13 (1), 1737-1742. Retrieved from https://www.medicinasportiva.ro/SRoMS/RMS/29/benefits_aquatic_activities_people_disabilities.pdf

Clickability editorial update: October 2026

Ask about the whole session before choosing hydrotherapy

Describe what you hope to improve and any difficulties with transfers, fatigue, pain, communication or being in water. Ask the practitioner whether the programme suits you and how progress will be reviewed. Healthdirect’s current overview describes individualised guidance rather than a single exercise plan for everyone.

Confirm the practical access: getting to the pool, changing, entering and leaving the water, equipment and any assistance required. Ask about costs and NDIS therapy support rules before booking. A pool with a ramp is not proof that every part of the visit is accessible to you.

Clarify your role in safe participation

Ask what assistance the person wants from you and what trained staff will provide. Confirm who is responsible for transfers, supervision and communicating a problem during the session. Do not assume the family must supply an unplanned extra pair of hands.

Discuss alternatives if the pool, timetable or water environment does not suit. The person’s comfort and choice matter alongside a therapist’s goals. Compare physiotherapy providers by relevant experience and practical access, not simply whether “hydrotherapy” appears in a service list.

Questions readers ask

Is hydrotherapy suitable and pain-free for everyone?

No. Ask a qualified practitioner about suitability and an individual programme. Official guidance

Does every pool session qualify as NDIS therapy?

No. Check the actual therapy support, plan and funding requirements. Official guidance

What access details should I check?

Ask about transport, changing, transfers, pool entry, equipment and the support available for your needs.

Find exercise physiology for your aquatic therapy goals

Tell Clickability what you want help with and whether you are exploring hydrotherapy. Compare reviewed and rated providers, then confirm clinical suitability and pool arrangements.

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