Hydrotherapy (Aquatic Therapy)
Uses the properties of water — buoyancy, resistance, and warmth — to improve movement, strength, and function in a therapeutic pool setting.
What Is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy (aquatic therapy) is exercise and movement therapy performed in a warm therapeutic pool (typically 33-36°C). The water's buoyancy reduces the effect of gravity, making it easier to move and exercise. Water resistance provides gentle strengthening.
For children and adults with physical disabilities, hydrotherapy allows movements that may be impossible on land. A child who cannot walk may be able to take steps in water. The warmth reduces muscle stiffness and pain.
Sessions are led by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist with aquatic therapy training. Activities are individualized and may include walking, floating, swimming adaptations, and targeted exercises.
Who Benefits from Hydrotherapy?
cerebral palsy
Reduces spasticity through warm water, allows movement practice with reduced gravity, and builds strength and endurance in a motivating environment.
spinal cord injury
Enables active movement in water that may not be possible on land, maintains cardiovascular fitness, and provides sensory input below the level of injury.
muscular dystrophy
Allows exercise without the strain of gravity, maintains mobility and range of motion, and provides cardiovascular activity with reduced muscle fatigue.
multiple sclerosis
Exercises in cool-to-warm water help manage heat sensitivity while improving strength, balance, and reducing spasticity.
What to Expect in a Session
First Session
A land-based assessment followed by an in-water evaluation. The therapist assesses comfort in water, mobility, strength, and sets aquatic therapy goals aligned with overall rehabilitation objectives.
Ongoing Sessions
Sessions include warm-up exercises, targeted movements using water resistance, balance and coordination activities, and cool-down. Activities are adapted to the individual's abilities and goals.
Your Child's Role
Your child or the adult performs exercises and movements in the water with therapist support. For many, this is a highlight of their therapy week.
Caregiver's Role
You may need to assist with changing and transfers. Some programs encourage caregivers to learn aquatic exercises to practise during recreational swim times.
When to Start
Early Childhood (0-5)
Aquatic therapy can begin as early as age 6 months for some conditions. Young children often love the water, making it a highly motivating therapy environment.
School Age (6-17)
Continues to support mobility and fitness. Can also build water safety skills and recreational swimming ability.
Adults (18+)
An excellent ongoing exercise option for adults with physical disabilities, providing low-impact cardiovascular and strengthening benefits.
General guidance: Hydrotherapy is best used as a complement to land-based physiotherapy, not a replacement. The combination of both provides the best outcomes.
| Item | Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Assessment | $100–$200 | Aquatic therapy assessment |
| Per Session | $90–$160 | 30-45 minutes |
| Insurance | May be covered under physiotherapy benefits if provided by a registered PT in a clinical setting | |
| Tax Credit | Eligible for METC when prescribed by a physician and provided by a registered therapist | |
Money-Saving Tips
- Municipal pools sometimes offer adapted aquatic programs at subsidized rates
- Group hydrotherapy sessions are often 40-50% less than individual sessions
- Check if your children's treatment centre includes aquatic therapy at no additional cost
| Province | Status | Program | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC | Limited | At Home Program | May be funded as part of physiotherapy through the At Home Program if prescribed; limited pool-based programs available. |
| AB | Limited | FSCD | Can be included as a physiotherapy modality under FSCD funding if recommended by a physiotherapist.(Under 18) |
| SK | No data | — | — |
| MB | No data | — | — |
| ON | Limited | Children's Treatment Centres | Available at some children's treatment centres with pool facilities; not separately funded but may be part of PT plan. |
| QC | No data | — | — |
| NB | No data | — | — |
| NS | No data | — | — |
| PE | No data | — | — |
| NL | No data | — | — |
| NT | No data | — | — |
| NU | No data | — | — |
| YT | No data | — | — |
Evidence & Research
Hydrotherapy has moderate evidence supporting its use for improving motor function, reducing pain and spasticity, and improving quality of life in people with physical disabilities. Studies show benefits for cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury, though more rigorous trials are needed.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of any provider who:
- The pool temperature is not appropriately warm for therapeutic purposes (should be 33-36°C for most conditions)
- The therapist is not in the water with your child and cannot provide hands-on support
- There are no individualized goals — sessions are purely recreational without therapeutic structure
- Infection control and water quality standards are not clearly maintained
- The facility is not accessible for people with mobility challenges (no ramp, hoist, or accessible change rooms)
How to Find a Provider
- 1
Contact your local children's treatment centre or rehabilitation hospital — many have therapeutic pools
- 2
Ask your physiotherapist if they offer or can refer to aquatic therapy
- 3
Search for Halliwick-trained therapists or Watsu practitioners through their professional associations
- 4
Check municipal recreation centres for adapted aquatic programs
- 5
Contact Easter Seals Canada, which operates therapeutic pool programs in several provinces
Conditions That Use Hydrotherapy
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