Hydrotherapy in Townsville

For Arthritis, Asthma, Injuries & More

PhysioCare Townsville offers hydrotherapy, a form of water-based therapy and exercise designed to reduce impact on the joints and help relax muscles. Hydrotherapy can be a useful addition or alternative to land-based treatment for a wide variety of conditions, including:


  • Arthritis (osteoarthritis & rheumatoid arthritis)
  • Acute & chronic back & neck pain
  • Peripheral musculoskeletal pain such as shoulder impingement or anterior knee pain
  • Post-orthopaedic surgery, including hip or knee replacement, ligament reconstruction or rotator cuff repair
  • Post-neurosurgery such as spinal fusion or laminectomy
  • Neurological conditions including CVA, multiple sclerosis or fibromyalgia
  • Chronic respiratory issues including COPD & asthma
  • Acute sports injuries


To find out more about hydrotherapy or book an appointment at our Townsville clinics, contact our team today. Call 07 4417 8900.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is hydrotherapy?

    Hydrotherapy is a form of physical therapy that uses water to support movement and provide a low-impact environment for exercise. It has been used for many years to help ease discomfort and promote relaxation, flexibility and general wellbeing. It may be helpful for people with arthritis or osteoporosis because the water supports the joints and reduces impact on the body. Hydrotherapy can also be used to support cardiovascular fitness, strength and balance.

  • How can hydrotherapy assist those suffering with asthma or other respiratory conditions?

    Hydrotherapy may offer a comfortable, low-impact environment for people with asthma or other respiratory conditions to exercise and relax. Warm water can help some individuals feel more at ease while focusing on controlled breathing techniques, and gentle activity in the pool may support overall physical fitness. These benefits can contribute to general wellbeing, although responses vary from person to person. Hydrotherapy should not replace prescribed asthma treatment and is best used alongside guidance from a healthcare professional.

  • Do you need to swim in hydrotherapy?

    No. Hydrotherapy does not require swimming, although some sessions may involve gentle movements in the water. Hydrotherapy generally focuses on water-based exercises and supported movement rather than swimming.

Woman in a Blue Swimsuit Does Water Aerobics in a Pool — PhysioCare Townsville in Thuringowa Central, QLD

What’s Involved in a Hydrotherapy Session?

Here at PhysioCare Townsville, a hydrotherapy session may include stretching, strengthening, functional training, balance work, core strengthening and cardiovascular fitness activities. A physiotherapist or physiotherapy assistant conducts the sessions, which usually last between 30 and 45 minutes for an individual appointment.


Water provides a unique environment for exercise, and three key properties of water are often used during hydrotherapy sessions:


  • The warmth of the water (usually about 33°C) can help relax tight muscles and loosen stiff joints.
  • The buoyancy of the water minimises the effect of gravity and decreases the stresses placed on joints during movement. People who are unable to support their body weight on land may be able to exercise more comfortably in the water.
  • The resistance provided by the water can be used to modify exercise intensity. Water offers varied resistance depending on the speed of movement and the shape of the body part being moved.


Exercises can be individually tailored to each participant to support different ability levels and treatment goals. They can begin with basic exercises for those who are weak or deconditioned and progress to more advanced drills for people preparing to return to higher-level training. To find out more about hydrotherapy at PhysioCare Townsville, get in touch today.