Hydrotherapy

What’s going on?

For many people with arthritis, free access to hydrotherapy is an essential part of their treatment. The hot water temperature of hydrotherapy promotes relaxation, helps relieve pain, assists movement and enables you to exercise more freely.

Exercise can help prevent arthritis from getting worse.

What’s the current situation?

Most hydrotherapy pools are found in the physiotherapy departments of hospitals. However, not all hospitals have pools.

This can mean that a person with arthritis has to travel many miles to get to a pool. Even worse, some of those that do exist are being closed, or their opening hours are being reduced.

Why should I care?

People with arthritis benefit from hydrotherapy. Following a regular exercise programme enables people with arthritis to live a more pain-free, independent life.

In hydrotherapy, the water supports your weight and relaxes your muscles, making it easier to exercise.

What is Arthritis Care in Scotland doing?

We are supporting people with arthritis who want to make sure that hydrotherapy is available in their area.

What can I do?

• You can let us know what you think by email, phone or post
• You can contact your local hospital and ask them about hydrotherapy pools in your area. If there is no pool, ask them why