Hydrotherapy – leg exercises

Hydrotherapy – leg exercises

Hydrotherapy exercise – Patient information

You have been provided with this exercise leaflet following a course of outpatient hydrotherapy.

Please only complete the exercises you have been guided to do by your physiotherapist being mindful of any specific modifications made for your personal circumstances.

SAFETY
If you experience sudden shortness of breath, chest pains, angina or dizziness STOP exercising and contact your doctor.

Stop if an exercise causes you pain.  Next time do fewer repetitions and if still painful, stop the exercise and talk to your physiotherapist if possible.

Equipment
Although you may have used a variety of equipment with your physiotherapist in our hydrotherapy pool, this may not be available at your local swimming pool. Therefore we are able to advise alternatives or equipment you can purchase.

Leg Swinging Swing your leg Forwards and back. Add ankle weight to progress.
Leg Swinging Swing your leg from side to side Add ankle weight to progress
Box step ups Holding on to the pool hand rail if needed – step up onto the box and back down again – alternate the leading leg. Variations: – Remove/reduce hand support on pool rails. – Hold weight in both hands. – Add weight to ankles. – High knees
Walking Hold onto the side rail, walk along. Variations: – Fast/ Slow – Toe walking – Heel walking – High knees Progression: Walk the width of the pool using a float to balance if required – repeated the same variations as above.
Leg extensions Lying on your back holding the handrail / side of the pool on a plinth if there is one available – push one leg down into the water keeping your knee straight, then repeat with the other leg. Progression: Place leg into rubber rings to progress.
Standing balance In standing using the pool bars /side for support if needed: – Stand on one leg maintaining your balance. (then alternate) – Stand with both feet close together side by side. – Stand with foot in front of the other (then alternate)
On your front Lying on your front holding onto the pool bars or plinth. Kick your legs up and down – keeping your straight legs. Place your legs into a rubber ring – Push your legs down together with straight legs. – Push your legs down with legs bent.
Woggle Sitting on the woggle/ noodle Attempt to maintain your balance and take your feet off the floor. Progression 1: Lift one arm out of the water (alternate) Progression 2: Put woggle between legs. Cycle your legs like on a bicycle whilst maintaining your sitting balance.

Where could I go now to continue my hydrotherapy?

• Perdiswell Leisure Centre Worcester – 01905457189
• Lower Wick Swimming Pool (warm) – 01905 421089
• Abbey Stadium Swimming Pool – 01527 60206
• Osborne Court Hydrotherapy (warm) – 01684 612722
• Malvern Splash – 01684 893423
• Pershore Leisure Centre – 01386 552346
• Bromsgrove Leisure Centre – 01527 916434
• Evesham Leisure Centre – 01386 444212
• Wyre Forest Leisure Centre – 01562 515151
• Droitwich Leisure Centre – 01905 771212

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything, please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and reassure you. 

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PALS@nhs.net

Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within one working day.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.  

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