Hydrotherapy Study - Carley Davies

Having volunteered at the NMC since January, I became involved in helping out in the Wednesday Hydro sessions.

A keen swimmer myself, I really enjoyed assisting, but most importantly, seeing the positive benefits of the hydrotherapy for people with neuromuscular conditions and muscular dystrophy. The physical and psychological benefits were clear to see, and I wanted to investigate the effects further. Consequently, when it came to choosing a research topic for my Masters dissertation, I chose to study the physical and psychological effects of hydrotherapy.

Upon researching the topic, I found that hydrotherapy provision on the NHS is very limited, particularly for people with long-term conditions, and particularly for adults. I found that there were plenty of studies demonstrating the effects of hydrotherapy for people with arthritis, for elderly people, and those with MS and fibromyalgia, but not for people with neuromuscular conditions.

Hopefully, by doing this study I will be able to demonstrate the benefits, and (should the work be published), promote this effective therapy to the NHS and GP’s. My study will consider the acute (that is, immediate) effects of the sessions on participants at the NMC. I have almost completed the data collection with my eight participants, and will hopefully be able to show the impact that it has. My research has involved physical and psychological tests (in the form of questionnaires), and when I have my results, I will be keen to share them with One Voice!

Hydrotherapy - Karen Pritchard

Hydrotherapy is a programme using the properties of water to improve function, carried out by Physiotherapists in a purpose built and correctly heated and equipped hydrotherapy pool.  We are lucky to benefit from this facility here at the Neuromuscular Centre as such, for we have the use of the hydrotherapy pool at the nearby Hebden Green School.  Hydrotherapy is good for us because it: 

• Reduces muscle tightness and relieves pain
• Rehabilitates injured muscles and joints by increasing blood flow and speeding up the healing process
• Provides a safe environment in which to mobilise and exercise people with MD • Provides relaxation and stress relief.

Another important benefit to hydrotherapy is that we are gaining social interaction with others, and also psychological well being. Social isolation can be a problem if you are not getting out of the house and meeting people. It can be good to talk with others that are more often than not are living with the same issues as you!

It is only recently I have really embraced hydrotherapy. It seemed to be a chore for me and hard work getting undressed/dressed but the benefits far outweigh this. I feel relaxed in the pool. I’m able to switch off from things that are weighing on my mind. I also have  exercises that I can get on and do. I feel a real sense of achievement after my session, and I sleep much better after it too! 

If you have not tried out our hydrotherapy sessions why not speak to one of our team of physiotherapists. They can discuss what benefits hydrotherapy will have for you. Also, why not try your local pool. Contact them and find out what disabled facilities they have to offer. Your local pool will probably not be as warm as the pool here at Hebden Green, but I find it relieves my stress just being in the water. I just don’t stay in the pool as long! 

Did you know...  The increased blood flow and circulation of white blood cells around the body allows lymph — an immune system fluid (that helps get rid of unwanted materials from the body) to be moved through the body more efficiently and therefore strengthens the immune system to fight colds and illnesses.

Swimming Buddies- Karen and Peter

Karen on Peter !
Peter and I first met just over a year ago. We attend the NMC together on a Monday for work and Peter has physiotherapy too. We travel in the mini bus together as we both live in the same town. It is nice to have made a friend in Peter. We have a swim at our local pool and a cuppa and catch up when we can!
Peter is fun to be around and has also inspired and motivated me in many ways.

Peter on Karen
As Karen has said we met about a year ago. I knew of her, as she knows my daughter Sarah, and I know her parents quite well, but I had never met her before. I had wanted to start swimming again and one day Karen messaged me and
said "We are going swimming, pick you up in an hour"! And as they say the rest is history…..!