E.g. Osteoarthritis (OA), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Ankylosing Spondylitis, Osteoporosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

There are many types of rheumatic diseases. Commonly they affect joints, but can also involve tendons, ligaments, bones and muscles, causing inflammation, pain, loss of mobility and loss of function. A multi-disciplinary approach should be taken to help manage these conditions, of which physiotherapy is a very important. Aquatic physiotherapy has a number of advantages over land based treatment such as:

• Freedom of movement in the water not having to work against gravity enables easier and less painful joint mobilising

• Warmth of water helps to relax muscles and reduce pain

• Hydrostatic pressure can help reduce associated inflammation

• Water resistance can be used to build strength in weakened muscles around the joint

• Safe environment for working on function such as walking and balance