Warm Water Therapy for Effective Recovery
The Healing Power of the Pool
Hydrotherapy, also known as Aquatic Physiotherapy, harnesses the unique physical properties of warm water to accelerate your rehabilitation and manage chronic pain. Whether you are recovering from major surgery or living with a long-term neurological condition, the water provides an environment where movement becomes easier, safer, and significantly less painful than on land.
At The Whiteley Physiotherapy Centre
At The Whiteley Physiotherapy Centre, we are proud to have our own on-site hydrotherapy pool. This means we can integrate water-based treatment into your recovery plan immediately, without the need for external referrals. Our sessions are led by experienced therapists who understand exactly how to use buoyancy and resistance to get the best results for your body.
Conditions That Benefit from Hydrotherapy
Water-based therapy is a “game-changer” for a wide range of challenges, including:
- Post-Surgical Rehab: Particularly following Hip or Knee Replacements, where early movement is vital but full weight-bearing is painful.
- Neurological Recovery: Helping patients with Stroke, Parkinson’s, or MS improve their balance and coordination in a fall-safe environment.
- Arthritis Care: The warmth is incredibly soothing for the stiff joints associated with Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Back & Chronic Pain: Allowing for “unloaded” spinal movement that would be too provocative on land.
- Balance & Mobility: Rebuilding confidence in your movement without the fear of falling.
How Hydrotherapy Works
Our pool is strictly maintained at a therapeutic temperature of 33C to 34C. At this heat, your muscles naturally begin to relax, blood flow increases to injured tissues, and your perception of pain decreases.
Buoyancy
The water supports your body weight, acting like a “natural cushion” for your joints.
Hydrostatic Pressure
The pressure of the water can help reduce swelling in lower limbs.
Resistance
Moving through water requires more effort than moving through air, allowing us to build muscle strength gently but effectively.
Your First Appointment
At The Whiteley Physiotherapy Centre, we ensure your transition into the water is seamless, safe, and professional.
Practicalities for your visit
- A Land & Water Assessment: Your initial appointment lasts 45 to 60 minutes. We start with a brief land-based screen to understand your clinical needs, followed by your very first session in the pool.
- What to bring: Please bring swimwear and a towel. If you have a waterproof bag for your belongings, that is also helpful.
- Facilities: We have full, private changing facilities on-site. If you have specific mobility needs for entering the water, please let us know in advance so we can prepare our access equipment.
- Next Steps: Once you have completed your initial 1:1 sessions and feel confident, we offer self-help group sessions so you can continue your exercises in the warm water with light supervision.
Honesty in Recovery
We believe in realistic expectations. Hydrotherapy is an incredible “bridge” to recovery, but it is rarely the final destination.
Clinical Note: While the water allows you to move beautifully, we eventually need to translate that strength back onto dry land to help you with “real world” activities like walking to the shops.
Most patients experience an immediate sense of relief and improved mobility following a session in the pool. However, for lasting physiological change—such as rebuilding muscle or retraining the nervous system—we typically recommend a block of six to eight weekly sessions. We will be honest about when it’s time to transition back to land-based exercise to ensure your recovery is functional and complete.
Hydrotherapy
Your Treatment Team
- Felicia Fetcu – Physiotherapist and hydrotherapy physiotherapist (CSP: 106027 | HCPC: PH117618)
- Diane Shaw – Physiotherapist, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy (CSP: 49658 | HCPC: PH41958)
- Cameron Hawley – Sports therapist and hydrotherapy (SST: 22983)
- Neil Duncan – Sports therapist and hydrotherapy (SST: 25529)
For neurological hydrotherapy:
- Rachel Dawson – Neuro physiotherapist (HCPC: PH69307)
- Heather Ross – Neuro physiotherapist (HCPC: PH49092)
- Gemma Brown – Neuro physiotherapist (CSP: 74092 | HCPC: PH73710)
Pricing and Appointment
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Hydrotherapy Initial Assessment £79 / 45 minutes
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Hydrotherapy Follow-Up £59 / 30 minutes
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Self-Help Hydro Group £20 per session
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Neuro Hydrotherapy Initial Assessment £99 / 60 minutes
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Neuro Hydrotherapy Follow-Up £79 / 45 minutes
We are recognised by Bupa, AXA PPP, Aviva, WPA, Cigna, and Vitality. Hydrotherapy delivered by a registered physiotherapist is typically covered by major health insurers.
To book, call 01489 569888 or email info@thewhiteleyphysiocentre.co.uk.
Conveniently Located in Whiteley
Our clinic and hydrotherapy pool are at Gull Coppice, Yew Tree Drive, Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire, PO15 7LS. No need to travel to a separate location for your water-based treatment. We serve patients from Whiteley, Fareham, Segensworth, Swanwick, Titchfield, Sarisbury, and Burridge.
Opening hours: Mon 8.30-5.00 / Tue 8.30-8.00 / Wed 8.30-8.00 / Thu 8.30-8.00 / Fri 8.30-6.00
Phone: 01489 569888
Email: info@thewhiteleyphysiocentre.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be able to swim?
How warm is the pool?
Is hydrotherapy suitable after surgery?
Can I use hydrotherapy alongside land-based physiotherapy?
How long is a session?
What should I bring?
Can hydrotherapy help with neurological conditions?
Is hydrotherapy covered by health insurance?
What is the self-help hydro group?
Where is the hydrotherapy pool?
Ready to Get Started?
Interested in hydrotherapy? Call 01489 569888 to discuss whether pool-based treatment is right for you and book your assessment.