For your safety, we recommend wearing clean, non-slip pool shoes or "reef shoes" when walking around the pool deck and changing rooms. While most exercises inside the water are performed barefoot to improve sensory feedback and balance, having sturdy footwear for the transition between the change rooms and the water helps prevent slips and maintains the highest standards of hygiene.

It is quite common to feel a unique sense of tiredness, often called "hydro-fatigue," after a session. This occurs because the water’s hydrostatic pressure gently compresses your body, which increases heart efficiency and alters circulation. While this is highly beneficial for reducing swelling and inflammation, it does mean your system is working harder than it might feel at the time, so we recommend planning for a period of rest immediately following your appointment.

Our hydrotherapy service is structured as individualised clinical care rather than a generic aqua aerobics class. While there may be other patients in the pool area at the same time, your exercise physiologist focuses entirely on your specific programme. This ensures your movements are monitored for technical accuracy and that your exercises are progressed at a pace that is right for your unique recovery.

A standard session usually runs for approximately 30 minutes. This timeframe is carefully chosen because the hydrostatic pressure and warmth of the water can be more taxing on the body than land-based exercise. We find that this duration allows for a comprehensive workout without causing excessive fatigue, ensuring you leave the hydrotherapy pool feeling rejuvenated rather than exhausted.

We often use hydrotherapy as a "bridge" to land-based physiotherapy. While your physiotherapist may work on manual therapy, joint mobilisation, or specific loading protocols in the clinic, the pool provides an environment where you can practice those same movement patterns with significantly less pain. This dual approach allows us to maintain your mobility in the water while building capacity on land.

While hydrotherapy is excellent for post-operative recovery, your surgical incisions must be completely healed and kept dry. We generally require that all sutures or staples have been removed and the wound is fully closed with no remaining scabs or discharge. If you are unsure, we recommend checking with your surgeon or specialist during your follow-up appointment before booking your assessment.

Yes, every new patient undergoes an initial land-based assessment at our Penrith or South Penrith practices before entering the water. This allows your exercise physiologist to assess your current condition, discuss your medical history, and establish a baseline. By understanding how you move on land, we can design a pool programme that specifically targets your limitations and ensures your time in the water is used effectively.

If you are attending as a private patient, you do not need a referral from a GP or specialist to access our hydrotherapy services. You can book an initial assessment directly with our team at Penrith or South Penrith to get started. However, if you intend to claim through specific government schemes or insurance providers, a formal referral will be necessary to process those benefits.