Apart from being a basic necessity, water is also an elemental force of healing. The benefits of "water healing" or hydrotherapy have been recognised for thousands of years.

In fact, water healing is one of the oldest and safest methods for treating many common ailments.

RAK Hospital has now introduced unique aqua therapies as a major rehabilitation technique for people of all ages, ranging from paediatric to the elderly, through its physiotherapy and rehabilitation department.

People suffering from osteoarthritis, muscular and joint injury or fracture, lower back and neck pain, cerebral palsy, as well as victims of strokes or accidents and pre- and post-surgery patients, can benefit from hydrotherapy.

The hospital's professional Swissphysio team works on holistic health to ensure the patient's complete wellbeing.

"Hydrotherapy can be a great way to have fun while recovering from an injury. Water has a well-deserved reputation for healing, and aqua rehab allows patients to move more quickly through the system without compromising outcomes. Because it is relatively pain-free, patients are more compliant. The natural properties of water help to speed up recovery, minimise the loss of range of motion (especially important when the injury is located in a joint), increase blood circulation and decrease inflammation", said Dr Jean Marc Gauer, CEO, RAK Hospital.

"The physical principles of water help to make hydrotherapy such a beneficial method of rehabilitation. Being in the water allows you to float, taking pressure off the joints. You can also use the water as a form of resistance while doing exercises. The temperature and pressure of the water can be comforting for an injured area to help control swelling and pain," said Cornelia Gloor, head of physiotherapy and rehabilitation at RAK Hospital.

"Hydrotherapy can help with many different types of rehabilitation such as cardiac, respiratory, musculoskeletal and athletic rehabs, arthritis and geriatrics. Moreover, our personalised physiotherapy programmes are designed keeping the patient's individual requirements and condition in mind, bring in greater benefits.

"Patients in the UAE now have access to the best-in-class rehab services, right here at home, without the need to travel abroad. The rehab is aimed at reducing pain, improving strength, balance, coordination and movement while maximising your ability to participate in everyday activities, prevent complications and promote good health", said Dr Raza Siddiqui, executive director of RAK Hospital.

Aquatic Physiotherapy treatment incorporates individual assessment, diagnosis and the use of clinical reasoning skills to formulate a treatment programme appropriate to each patient's needs. It can help relieve pain, promote relaxation, mobilise joints, strengthen muscles, develop balance and coordination, and improve general fitnes

Source: Khaleej Times