INSTRUCTIONS TO PATIENTS ATTENDING HYDROTHERAPY PROGRAMS
To maximize your time in the pool, please complete the registration form found at the bottom of this page and bring it with you to your initial appointment.
1. Clients must provide own bathers, towels and thongs (suitable footwear) where possible.
2. Prior to hydrotherapy all medications should be taken as usual. Important medications, e.g. heart drugs, asthma medication, are to be brought to hydrotherapy and kept at poolside. Diabetic patients should bring a sugary food for poolside.
3. Do not attend hydrotherapy if you feel unwell, giddy or dizzy. Please let the Physiotherapist know of any changes in your health e.g. cold, ulcer.
4. It is recommended that thongs/crocs or appropriate footwear be worn in the showers, changing rooms and pool area, i.e. AVOID BARE FEET IN THESE AREAS to prevent the spread of tinea and other foot infections.
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5. You must not enter the pool if any of the following apply:
You have been drinking alcohol.
You have an infection e.g. cold, flu, thrush, ear infection, urinary tract infection.
You have a raised temperature.
You have an open or infected wound which is uncovered.
Your blood pressure is not well controlled.
You are feeling unwell.
If not sure please ask.
6. Clothing should be left in the change-room during hydrotherapy. Valuables should be left at home or locked in a locker (keys provided free of charge at reception).
7. Before entering the pool you must:
Go to the toilet;
Have a warm shower;
Remove contact lenses and hearing aids;
Tell the Physiotherapist about any changes in your health.
8. Do not enter the pool before the therapist advises it is safe to do so. Chairs are available on pool concourse while waiting. Higher chairs are available on request.
9. Do not attempt to jump or dive into the pool. Enter the pool slowly in the manner instructed by the therapist and exit the pool in the same way.
10. Be careful at the pool because it is slippery, especially if you have a walking aid. No running in pool area. Take care on the steps and ramp. Gait aid holders are available at the top of both the steps and ramp. Hoist access is available if you are unable to manage steps or ramp.
11. It is very important to only do the set number and type of exercise described by your Physiotherapist especially in the first session. Let your therapist know how you are feeling throughout the session.
12. After hydrotherapy you are advised to:
Shower;
Dry feet thoroughly;
Have a drink to rehydrate yourself (there are two drinking fountains in the Hydrotherapy Centre).
13. Please do not use talcum powder, it makes the floors slippery and dangerous.
14. Smoking is not permitted in any part of the Hydrotherapy Centre.
15. If you have a wound we recommend covering it with Tegaderm before leaving the home for hydrotherapy.
16. On arrival to the Hydrotherapy Centre we will need you to check in at the reception in the foyer before entering the change area. If there is no one available please make sure the physio in the pool is aware that you have arrived.
17. We hope you enjoy the benefits of your hydrotherapy program and encourage you to seek advice from your physiotherapist if you are uncertain about anything.
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