Living with arthritis can make even the simplest movements feel like a challenge. Whether it’s the morning stiffness that greets you before you’ve had your first cup of tea, or the aching joints that interrupt a good night’s sleep — arthritis affects millions of people across India and the world. At Sukino Healthcare, we believe that healing doesn’t have to be painful. One of the most gentle, effective, and time-tested therapies we offer is hydrotherapy — and it’s changing lives every day.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through what hydrotherapy is, how it helps with arthritis, what a typical session looks like, and why it could be the missing piece in your rehabilitation journey.
Hydrotherapy, also called aquatic therapy or water therapy, is a form of physical rehabilitation that takes place in a specially designed heated pool or water environment. Under the guidance of trained physiotherapists, patients perform targeted exercises in water to improve mobility, reduce pain, and rebuild strength.
Unlike regular swimming, hydrotherapy sessions are structured, therapeutic, and individually tailored. The water temperature is carefully controlled — typically between 33°C and 36°C — to relax muscles, ease stiffness, and encourage movement that would otherwise be too painful or difficult on land.
Why Water Works: The Science Behind Hydrotherapy
Water is a remarkable medium for healing, and here’s why:
- Buoyancy Reduces Joint Stress
When you are immersed in water up to your waist, your body weight is reduced by approximately 50%. At chest depth, it can drop to as little as 25%. This means your joints bear significantly less load, making movement possible and pain-free even for people with severe arthritis.
- Warmth Soothes Inflammation
Warm water increases blood circulation and relaxes tense muscles around arthritic joints. This helps reduce morning stiffness, alleviate chronic pain, and prepare the body for therapeutic exercise — all without medication.
- Hydrostatic Pressure Reduces Swelling
The gentle pressure of water on your body helps reduce swelling and edema in arthritic joints. This natural compression effect can bring immediate relief and improve range of motion.
- Resistance Builds Strength Gently
Water provides natural resistance — about 12 times greater than air — which means even gentle movements help build muscle strength around joints. Stronger muscles provide better support to joints and reduce arthritis pain over time.
- Improved Balance and Coordination
The supportive nature of water reduces the fear of falling, which is common in arthritis patients. This allows patients to practise balance and coordination exercises safely, improving their confidence both in and out of the water.
Types of Arthritis That Benefit from Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy is beneficial across a wide range of arthritic conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) – The most common form, typically affecting knees, hips, and hands
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – An autoimmune condition causing inflammation in multiple joints
- Psoriatic Arthritis – Linked to the skin condition psoriasis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis – Affecting the spine and large joints
- Gout – Causing sudden, severe pain often in the big toe and feet
- Juvenile Arthritis – Affecting children and younger individuals
- Our physiotherapists at Sukino carefully assess each patient’s condition before designing a hydrotherapy plan that is safe, targeted, and effective for their specific type and stage of arthritis.
What to Expect During a Hydrotherapy Session at Sukino
If you’ve never experienced hydrotherapy before, here’s a simple breakdown of what a session at Sukino Healthcare looks like:
Assessment & Goal Setting
Before entering the pool, our rehabilitation specialists conduct a thorough assessment of your joint function, pain levels, mobility, and overall health. We set clear, measurable goals — whether that’s climbing stairs independently, reducing pain medication, or simply moving with more ease.
Warm-Up in the Water
Sessions typically begin with gentle walking or floating in the warm water to allow your muscles and joints to relax. Many patients notice immediate relief from stiffness within the first few minutes.
Targeted Therapeutic Exercises
Your therapist will guide you through a customised set of exercises. These may include:
- Leg raises and hip rotations to improve lower-body mobility
- Shoulder circles and arm swings for upper-body flexibility
- Resistance exercises using water noodles or hand paddles
- Core strengthening movements for spinal support
- Balance and gait training for safe walking
Cool-Down & Relaxation
Sessions end with gentle stretching and relaxation in the water. Many patients describe this phase as deeply calming — a welcome contrast to the fatigue and discomfort of daily arthritis pain.
Post-Session Review
After every session, your therapist will check in with you, note your progress, and adjust your programme as needed. At Sukino, we believe in collaborative care — your feedback is essential to your healing.
Real Benefits Patients Experience
Patients who undergo regular hydrotherapy at Sukino report a wide range of improvements, including:
- Significant reduction in joint pain and stiffness
- Increased range of motion in affected joints
- Greater muscle strength and endurance
- Improved balance and reduced risk of falls
- Better sleep due to reduced nighttime pain
- Decreased reliance on pain medications
- Improved mood, confidence, and overall quality of life
Many of our patients tell us that hydrotherapy was the first time in years they felt genuinely comfortable moving their bodies again.
Is Hydrotherapy Safe for Everyone with Arthritis?
Hydrotherapy is generally very safe and well-tolerated. However, it may not be suitable for people with certain conditions such as open wounds, uncontrolled infections, severe cardiovascular disease, or certain skin conditions. This is why all Sukino patients undergo a detailed screening and consultation before their first session.
Our team is trained to modify and adapt exercises for patients of all ages and ability levels — from younger adults with early-stage arthritis to elderly patients managing complex, long-term conditions.
Hydrotherapy as Part of a Holistic Rehabilitation Plan
At Sukino Healthcare, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Hydrotherapy works best when it is part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that may include:
- Physiotherapy and land-based exercises
- Occupational therapy for daily living skills
- Nutritional guidance and anti-inflammatory diet counselling
- Pain management strategies and medication review
- Psychological support for living with chronic pain
Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to create an integrated care plan tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle.
Why Choose Sukino for Hydrotherapy?
Sukino Healthcare is one of India’s leading post-acute and rehabilitation care providers, with a deep commitment to compassionate, evidence-based treatment. Our hydrotherapy facilities are:
- Equipped with temperature-controlled therapeutic pools
- Staffed by experienced and certified physiotherapists
- Designed to accommodate patients of all mobility levels
- Integrated within our broader rehabilitation and elder care programmes
Whether you are recovering from a joint replacement, managing a chronic arthritis condition, or supporting an elderly parent, Sukino’s hydrotherapy programme offers a safe and effective path forward.
Take the First Step Towards Pain-Free Living
If you or a loved one is living with arthritis and looking for a gentler, more effective approach to rehabilitation, we warmly invite you to explore hydrotherapy at Sukino Healthcare.
Reach out to our care team today to schedule a consultation, ask any questions, or learn more about our comprehensive rehabilitation services. At Sukino, your comfort, dignity, and recovery are always our priority.
📞 Contact Sukino Healthcare: www.sukino.com | care@sukino.com
We are India’s first comprehensive continuum care provider. We provide multidisciplinary out of hospital care to acute and post-acute and chronically ill patients at our critical care facilities and your home.