As we age, the risk of falls increases significantly, impacting independence, confidence, and quality of life. For older adults, falls are one of the leading causes of injury and can lead to serious consequences such as fractures, hospitalisation, and prolonged recovery periods. Fortunately, interventions like Hydrotherapy can offer an effective and safe approach to improving balance, mobility, and strength, ultimately reducing the risk of falls.
Why falls prevention matters
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 30% of people aged 65 and over experience at least one fall per year, with the likelihood increasing as individuals grow older. Falls can have a profound impact, limiting a person’s ability to stay active, maintain social connections, and lead an independent lifestyle. Physical changes such as weakened muscles, reduced flexibility, and poor balance contribute to this risk. That’s where Hydrotherapy comes in, offering a gentle yet powerful way to counteract these issues and improve overall mobility.
How Hydrotherapy works to improve balance and mobility
Hydrotherapy uses the unique properties of water to create a low-impact environment that’s ideal for seniors. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on joints, making movements easier and safer, especially for individuals with arthritis, osteoporosis, or other musculoskeletal issues. This buoyancy allows older adults to perform exercises they may find challenging on land, helping them build strength, improve flexibility, and increase their range of motion without pain or discomfort.
In addition to its buoyant properties, water resistance also plays a vital role. It provides a natural resistance that helps improve muscle tone and coordination, which are essential for maintaining balance. By consistently engaging in Hydrotherapy sessions, older adults can work on vital stability muscles, enhancing their ability to catch themselves if they trip or lose balance, thereby reducing the likelihood of falls.
A tailored approach at Healthstin
At Healthstin, we recognise that every senior’s needs are unique. Our highly trained Exercise Physiologists and Physiotherapists develop individualised Hydrotherapy programmes tailored to each participant’s health status, mobility levels, and personal goals. Our exercise experts conduct initial assessments to identify specific areas of weakness or imbalance and then design targeted exercises to address these. By focusing on exercises that enhance core strength, lower limb stability, and coordination, we can empower older adults to feel more secure and stable both in and out of the water.
Creating a safe and supportive environment
The Hydrotherapy pools at all Healthstin’s Allied Health Clinic locations including the one in Hurstville are designed to create a welcoming and secure environment for all participants. With water maintained at an optimal warm temperature, our pools help relax muscles and reduce joint pain, making exercises comfortable and enjoyable.
In addition to one-on-one sessions, Healthstin offers group sessions, allowing older adults to build friendships, boost confidence, and stay motivated. This social engagement is invaluable for mental wellbeing and can further reduce fall risk by encouraging consistent active participation.
We accept NDIS, Worker’s Compensation, and Private Health funds. To further ensure that our programmes are available to as many older adults as possible, we are also an accredited Allied Health Provider for the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) in Aged Care.
To learn more about our Hydrotherapy sessions or to book an appointment, please call Healthstin via 1300 090 931, visit our Hurstville clinic, or click this link.
Supported by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
Although funding for this set of Allied Health Services for CHSP has been provided by the Australian Government, the material contained herein does not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Australian Government.
