Hydrotherapy in Hertfordshire
The private hydrotherapy service was set up as Herts Hydro by Sarah Kinsella in September 2010 following the closure of the NHS Hydrotherapy pool at the Lister Hospital.
Sarah had run the hydrotherapy department at the Lister for over 10 years. She is a Clinical Specialist in Hydrotherapy, having obtained a distinction in the Bath Hydrotherapy Course in 2003.
Herts Hydro now operates as ASK Physio. There are three Physiotherapists who work in the pool, Sarah Kinsella, Emma McPherson and Nicki Combarro.
Please note, our speciality is in musculoskeletal health (broken bones, joint replacement surgery, ACL surgery, bad backs, shoulder injuries etc) . We do not have the skills, knowledge or expertise to see people with learning disabilities or neurological conditions. We do not see young children in the pool but will consider children with musculoskeletal issues i.e. who have broken bones or had orthopaedic surgery, who are tall enough to stand up in the 1.2 metre depth pool at David Lloyd.
What is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is treatment involving exercise and hands on treatment performed in water. It uses the properties of water to relieve pain, increase mobility and develop muscle strength.
Who benefits from Hydrotherapy?
The following conditions benefit from hydrotherapy. The following conditions receive the most effective help from treatment in water:
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Recovery from fractures/broken bones, in particular shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles.
Recovery from joint surgery.
Back pain and stiffness
Osteoporosis and chronic pain.
Sports injuries
Hypermobility syndromes
What are the benefits of Hydrotherapy?
Improved mobility and flexibility.
Increased muscle strength
Relief of pain
Improved balance and co-ordination
Relaxation
Increased sense of well-being
Procedures
Patients are required to have a one off dry land assessment prior to commencing hydrotherapy. This assessment is to ascertain your needs, and set your goals for hydrotherapy. It will also include some physiotherapy advice and treatment as necessary. This session will last approximately 45-60 minutes. Dry land assessments are carried out at ASK Physio in Stevenage Old Town. £50 (45 min assessment) or £60 (one hour assessment).
Please note, your assessment for hydro will usually include some physiotherapy advice and exercises for dry land.
On arrival for your first session, you will be greeted by staff at David Lloyd reception. They will be expecting you and will show you where the changing facilities and pool areas are.
Sessions can be 1:1 or group based.
All treatment programs are specifically designed to each individual. The hydrotherapist will be in the pool with you the whole time and will perform techniques, monitor and correct individual exercise programmes, making progressions where necessary.
Pool environment
The pool that we use is in the David Lloyd private gym on Stevenage Leisure Park, there is plenty of free parking available.
David Lloyd Pool – Stevenage, SG1 2UA
Bigger pool – 25 metres
Pool temperature 29-30 degrees
Constant 1.2 metre depth throughout
Access via pool ladder (hoist also available)
Free parking at Stevenage Leisure Park
Large, spacious changing rooms with 2 private cubicles
Monday , Wednesday and Thursday morning sessions
Charges: From 1st January 2024
1:1 hydrotherapy 30 mins £50
2:1 hydrotherapy £26.50 per person.
3:1 group hydrotherapy (groups of 3) £110 for a consecutive 6 week block.
At least one 1:1 session must be attended before joining a group session, and being added to a group sessions depend on availability at the time.
Contact us
If you would like further information on hydrotherapy or wish to discuss potential treatment, please contact Sarah Kinsella at Ask Physio:
07565 745426