Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy
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 managed 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, Emily Murray and Nicki Combarro.
Please note: our speciality is in musculoskeletal health (broken bones, joint replacement surgery, ACL surgery, bad backs, shoulder injuries and also rheumatology etc). We do not have the skills, knowledge or expertise to see people with learning disabilities or neurological conditions. We are unable to see children under the age of 16 years old in the pool due to no lifeguard cover. This is David Lloyd’s rule and we follow their stipulation.
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.
The following conditions receive the most effective help from treatment in water, but it is not an exclusive list:
- Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis/ Axial Spondyloarthropathy
- Recovery from fractures/broken bones, in particular shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles.
- Recovery from orthopaedic surgery, for example, rotator cuff tendon repair.
- Recovery from joint surgery: hip, knee and shoulder replacement.
- Back pain and stiffness including pain from a disc.
- Osteoporosis and chronic pain.
- Sports injuries
What are the benefits of Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy offers a range of benefits by using the properties of water to support and enhance healing. Whether used for rehabilitation, fitness, or relaxation, it provides a safe and effective environment for recovery and wellness. Benefits include:
- Improved mobility and flexibility.
- Increased muscle strength
- Relief of pain
- Improved balance and co-ordination
- Relaxation
- Increased sense of well-being
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.
The following conditions receive the most effective help from treatment in water, but it is not an exclusive list:
- Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis/ Axial Spondyloarthropathy
- Recovery from fractures/broken bones, in particular shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles.
- Recovery from orthopaedic surgery, for example, rotator cuff tendon repair.
- Recovery from joint surgery: hip, knee and shoulder replacement.
- Back pain and stiffness including pain from a disc.
- Osteoporosis and chronic pain.
- Sports injuries
What are the benefits of Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy offers a range of benefits by using the properties of warm water to support and enhance healing. Whether used for rehabilitation, fitness, or relaxation, it provides a safe and effective environment for recovery and wellness. Benefits include:
- 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. Dry land assessments are carried out at ASK Physio in Stevenage Old Town. £70 (one hour assessment).
Please note, your assessment for hydro will usually include some physiotherapy advice and exercises for dry land. Please contact us if you are having your land-based physiotherapy elsewhere, and we can discuss options with you.
On arrival for your first session, you will be greeted by staff at David Lloyd reception. Please bring your own padlock for the locker.
Sessions can be 1:1 or group based. Please note, group sessions are booked in blocks of six and are non—refundable if you are unable to attend for any reason.
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
Sarah, Nicki and Emily – The Hydrotherapy team.
Hydrotherapy - Frequently asked questions
Will hydrotherapy help me?
Hydrotherapy helps a multitude of conditions, from hip and knee replacements, broken bones, after ACL surgery, shoulder surgery, arthritis of the joints, bad backs, bad hips, bad knees. Fibromyalgia.
People get better in hydrotherapy because they are actively getting fitter and stronger. The buoyancy takes the weight off the joints making it easier to exercise, and the water provides resistance to work against which strengthens the muscles. There are very few people who don’t feel the benefit of hydrotherapy.
Which pool do you use for hydrotherapy?
The pool we use is NOT a hydrotherapy pool, but a normal swimming pool. We hire a lane at David Lloyd pool on Stevenage Leisure Park. The temperature of the water is between 29-31 degrees.
What is the pool temperature?
The temperature of the water is between 29-31 degrees.
What days and times sessions are run?
The sessions are run on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. We start at 9am and finish at 11:30am. This is when we are allowed access to the pool as this is when it is quiet. We do not have pool access in the evenings or weekends.
Do you offer hydrotherapy for children too?
We cannot see children under 16 years of age due to there not being a Lifeguard on duty at David Lloyd at the times that we are there. This is David Lloyd’s policy which we adhere to.
What are the pricing options and policies for your sessions?
Sessions are 1:1 (£55 for half an hour), 2:1 (£28 per person for half an hour) or 3:1 in a group. The groups are £120 for a 6-week block. Any missed group sessions are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
All patients need to start with at least one 1:1 session. Your ability to join a group will depend on availability and also your confidence in the water.
The group sessions are run at certain times, and we can only offer you a space in a group if there is a space available. We have several regular patients who have been coming for years.
Is there an initial assessment before starting hydrotherapy?
Yes, you will need to attend the ASK Physio clinic in the Old Town for an initial assessment for hydrotherapy. We book this as an hour appointment (£70).
The initial assessment appointment is on a different day to when you start your hydrotherapy. We do not do them on the same day. If you live far away, you can choose to have an assessment virtually via Zoom (same fee). When you come for your assessment, we will explain the procedure for attending David Lloyd.
Do I need to be a David Lloyd member to attend hydrotherapy sessions in their pool?
You DO NOT have to be a David Lloyd member to be able to come to hydrotherapy.
What changing room facilities are available at the pool?
Changing rooms are mainly communal, there are two small private changing rooms within the communal changing area. There are two disabled changing rooms.
Do you accept private medical insurance?
We do accept referrals through private health insurance and we are registered with AXA, BUPA, AVIVA, Bennedon & WPA, as well as some smaller companies – please contact us to check. (We do not accept referrals through Vitality or Nuffield).
What do I do next if I want to start hydrotherapy?
Call the clinic on 01438 488579 and book an INITIAL CONSULTATION appointment of one hour with one of the three Hydrotherapists.
Sarah Kinsella
Nicki Combarro
Emily Murray
Or email Sarah Kinsella at sarah@ask-physio.co.uk.
Need more information?
If you would like further information on hydrotherapy or wish to discuss potential treatment, please contact Sarah Kinsella at ASK Physio:
T: 07565 745426
For our up to date fees, please see the pricing page.