Hydrotherapy is a water-based therapy that is used to complement land-based therapy for women and children with both acute and chronic conditions. Find out more about the hydrotherapy services offered by KK Women's and Children's Hospital.
WHAT IS HYDROTHERAPY?
Hydrotherapy is a water-based therapy that is used to complement landbased therapy for women and children with both acute and chronic conditions. Some examples of these conditions include chronic pain, osteoarthritis, sports injuries, neurodevelopmental delay, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Hydrotherapy uses the properties of water to reduce pain, strengthen weak muscles, restore function and improve quality of life. Density of the water is used as resistance for strengthening exercises.
Additionally, buoyancy makes walking and movement in the water easier as it eliminates the effect of gravity. This means that people who are unable to walk on land are able to walk in the water.
The water is heated between 32 to 34 degrees Celsius which helps loosen and relax tight, stiff or spastic muscles. This results in less pain, better range of movement of the joints and improved mobility. Likewise, the hydrostatic pressure of the water can help reduce oedema and pain as well as improve range of motion and flexibility.
HYDROTHERAPY AT KKH
The hydrotherapy pool at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) is dedicated for use by women and children. It is equipped with newly renovated showering facilities which include a bathroom for physically disabled with hand-railings, call bells and a special shower chair for children.
The facilities at KKH are unique and adapted for children or adults with special needs. This includes the use of commodes and a ramp to facilitate entry into the pool for those who are unable to walk in on their own. The 11m-long pool has three different pool depths which enables the patient to experience therapy at different body weight loads. During hydrotherapy, we use special flotation aids, paddles and weights to assist in therapy.
The hydrotherapy service at KKH is managed by registered physiotherapists who are trained in hydrotherapy. They assess and treat patients according to their needs and provide an individualised exercise programme. The duration of each individual session is about 20 to 30 minutes.
KKH’s Physiotherapy Department also offers an antenatal aqua fitness class for pregnant women every Saturday. The 45-minute class enables pregnant women to achieve and maintain a suitable level of physical fitness during pregnancy and involves aerobics, toning, strengthening and relaxation exercises.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM HYDROTHERAPY?
Any woman or child suffering from osteoarthritis, acute or chronic pain, reduced mobility, muscular weakness, post joint replacements, pain during pregnancy, sports injuries, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy or gross motor delay.
REFER A PATIENT
For hydrotherapy service, medical practitioners can fax a referral for a consultation and assessment to determine suitability to KKH’s Rehabilitation Centre at 6394 1589.
Antenatal aqua fitness classes at KKH are open to members of the public.
For more information, please contact the Patient Education Centre at:
Tel: 6394 1268
Email: pec@kkh.com.sg
