What is hydrotherapy? Who benefits?

Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic physiotherapy, uses warm water’s buoyancy and resistance to support movement and improve rehabilitation.
It’s ideal for anyone with complex injuries where weight-bearing on land is painful or impossible. It’s the perfect starting point for rehabilitation when gravity makes movement too hard.
Whether you’re managing chronic back pain, neurological conditions like spinal cord injury or motor neuron disease, post-surgical recovery after joint replacement or fracture, or supporting children with developmental delays to reach motor milestones, the water provides a low-impact, supportive environment.
​Buoyancy reduces stress on joints and muscles by up to 90%, allowing safe, effective exercise that builds strength, improves mobility, and speeds recovery—especially for those who struggle with traditional land-based therapy.

Conditions Treated with Hydrotherapy and Physiotherapy

Both hydrotherapy and physiotherapy are effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including:
Arthritis
Back Pain
Injuries
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Chronic Pain Conditions
Workcover
NDIS
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Neurological Injuries
Complex children

Expertise and Experience

Ben Strachan has been a qualified physiotherapist for over 15 years, with hydrotherapy as his primary specialty. Unlike many clinics that offer hydrotherapy as an add-on, this is Ben’s full-time focus—he works exclusively in the water, five days a week.
That means no split schedules, no travel between clinic and pool, and no rushed sessions. You get more appointment flexibility, faster booking times, and a therapist who’s always ready in the water—not changing, drying off, or commuting back to a land-based clinic.
Because hydrotherapy is Ben’s only clinical environment, he’s developed deep expertise in using buoyancy, resistance, and warm water to treat complex conditions safely and effectively. The clinic is equipped with advanced tools including hoists, water wheelchair, specialised floats, and paediatric supports—all designed to maximise outcomes for every client, from children to those with severe neurological or post-injury limitations. When you choose Brisbane Hydrotherapy Physio, you’re choosing true specialisation, not a side service.

​Should you exercise in water or a gym?

For complex injuries or chronic conditions, exercising in water is far superior to a gym environment—especially when pain, weakness, or gravity make land-based movement difficult. The warm water acts as a gentle cushion, reducing body weight by up to 90% so you can move without jarring joints or overloading healing tissues.This makes hydrotherapy the ideal starting point for rehabilitation, allowing you to build strength, improve balance, and increase range of motion safely and comfortable.y.
In a gym, even light weights or bodyweight exercises can aggravate back pain, neurological weakness, post-surgical stiffness, or paediatric developmental challenges. In the pool, buoyancy supports you, resistance strengthens you, and warmth relaxes tight muscles—all while minimising strain. You’ll achieve more repetitions, better form, and faster progress with less pain and lower risk of setback. For anyone who finds gravity a barrier, water isn’t just easier—it’s often the only effective way to begin.