Sussex Aquatic Physiotherapy
What is Hydrotherapy?
Aquatic Physiotherapy (often called Hydrotherapy) is exercises in warm water by a fully qualified Physiotherapist. The ability to swim is not necessary for Hydrotherapy. Your head does not need to go under water. The unique properties of warm water can improve movement of stiff or swollen joints, provide relaxation, strengthen weak muscles and alleviate aches and pains. Water boasts unique properties which aide both therapy and fitness and is particularly beneficial for those who would benefit from reducing stress through joints or those who cannot comfortably rehabilitate or work out on land.
Aquatic Physiotherapy can help a wide range of conditions from acute sports injuries to more persistent conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic pain. It can also be an excellent way to help improve balance and control of the limbs whether someone has a medical condition or not (such as helping people who are at an increased risk of falling). The properties of water particularly suit people with Neurological conditions however we do not have a working hoist so can only see people who are able to access the pool via stairs that has a hand rail.
A client may continue with land-based Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy in conjunction with one another, alternatively they may use Hydrotherapy to assist with specific movement patterns and ease pain prior to progressing to land-based therapy.
Please consider the available times before booking. These may change if there is enough demand.
Please be aware you will need to complete a medical form before your session. The form is on the website, please click the link here. Ensuring you are safe in the pool is our biggest priority. If you are unsure if aquatic exercise is safe for you please speak to your doctor.
Eastbourne, Blue Lagoon warm water pool.
Private sessions availability: Wednesday 5.00pm – 7.00pm
Telephone: 01323 325556
Postcode: BN22 9NG
All sessions are in a warm water pool kept at approx. 34 degrees Celsius.
Access to the pool is via steps with a hand rail, we do not have a hoist therefore anyone who cannot use stairs will not have access as the pool. The changing rooms and café has wheel chair access for those who would like to have a look at the access before committing to aquatic physiotherapy.
There is a medical form that must be completed before the session and shown to the physiotherapist before entering the pool. Link here.
Many people with neurological conditions benefit from exercising in water. Utilising the properties of water such as buoyancy and the supportive affects of water not only provides the freedom of movement that one cannot achieve on land but also work on muscle strength, muscle control, balance, reduce muscle tightness and help with spasticity.
Olly has a particular interest in long term neurological conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsons Disease and long term post stroke rehabilitation. He won an award in 2015 for his clinical research into aquatic physiotherapy for people with Multiple Sclerosis (reference link to the open access publication under ‘Who we are”).
Please be aware there are steps to enter the pool, if you are unsure of access please arrange a time to look at the facilities before booking a session. Depending on an individual’s abilities careful consideration should be given on the most effective session, be it in a small group or as a one to one session.
Olly has excellent knowledge of musculoskeletal injuries and in the treatment of back pain. He works one day a week as a ‘Pain Specialist’ seeing complex health issues for the NHS. He has also completed several post graduate university modules in musculoskeletal practice and written research on specific physiotherapy treatment techniques that are used in the treatment of low back pain and knee pain (reference link to the open access publication under ‘Who we are”). Olly treats the whole person and endeavours to reduce pain as soon as possible and restore full function.
It will be surprising to most how hard one can work out in a pool without even swimming. There are many muscle control exercises that improve high level balance. Balance is ofen neglected in sports training, despite it being one of the most important skill required in nearly all sports. It is certainly not focused on during rehabilitation in most cases I am aware of. Exercise in water is excellent to work the finer motor control of the entire body making the individual “more in control of their body and movement”.
Olly has worked with Brighton and Hove Albion FC with the academy team and has seen many athletes in his career from professional soccer players to professional dancers. Despite your level of sporting prowess specific exercises in water not only helps someone recover from an injury but can also improve performance and reduce the risk of further injuries.
Specific exercise in water can work to strengthen the core, work the entire body as well as all the limbs. Olly is a training instructor for Swim England and The Institute of Swimming that involves educating course participants on aquatic exercise for health. You would be surprised how effective exercise in water can be to improve fitness and overall wellbeing.
All clients wishing to take part in Hydrotherapy (Aquatic Therapy) need to have an Initial Assessment which takes place on land, out of the pool. The Assessment is carried out by our Neurological Physiotherapists who are trained Hydrotherapists. The Initial Assessment will establish your goals, physical ability and function, treatment plan, changing, access to the pool and health and safety precautions for Hydrotherapy. The assessment will give you the opportunity to take a look at the pool and ask any questions you may have.
Access to the pool is via steps with a hand rail, we do not have a hoist therefore anyone who cannot use stairs will not have access as the pool. The changing rooms and café has wheel chair access for those who would like to have a look at the access before committing to aquatic physiotherapy.
Oliver Krouwel, CSP MSc Olly Krouwel is a hard working conscientious physiotherapist who has a wide range of skills and knowledge. He has built up a vast range of experience since graduating from his Sports Science degree in 2002. In 2003 he completed a PGCE and enjoyed three years of teaching Design Technology in a secondary school before retraining to become a Physiotherapist. In 2008 Olly graduated from the University of Brighton with a MSc. After Qualifying he worked in Croydon NHS trust and published his thesis on a treatment technique for low back pain in the Journal ‘Manual Therapy’. He then moved to Burrswood Hospital where he spent the next 5 years developing skills in Neurological rehabilitation and Aquatic Physiotherapy. Olly moved to the Horder Centre enjoying his time developing skills in post-operative care and managing people with a wide variety of aches and pains. Olly then moved to Private Practice in 2016 however still works as a ‘Pain Specialist’ for the NHS one day a week.
Through-out his career in Physiotherapy Olly has worked hard to be the best he can. He has worked part time for Brighton and Hove Albion FC for the academy team, has been a member of the Football Association medical society for 8 years, has been a visiting Lecturer for the University of Brighton, completed and published several research articles (see references below), is the research lead for the Aquatic Therapy Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (ATACP) and has recently completed a post graduate certificate that involves 3 post graduate MSc modules on advance practice for upper and lower limb problems. He is also a Tutor for the Swim England Aquatic Exercise for Health qualification.
Olly’s practical approach to patient care is born from his experience and love of life, he treats the whole person with respect and works hard to understand the individuals problems to ensure the patient achieves their aims.
Fully registered with the Chartered Society of Chartered Physiotherapist (CSP) and HCPC. CSP Num: 9287. HCPC Num: PH85590.Cost and Booking
Private session 30 minutes
£99
Conditions We Treat
Neurological
Muscle, Joint, Nerve Pain
Sports Injuries
Fitness
Hydrotherapy Initial Assessment
Meet the Clinician
Profession memberships:
Qualifications:
Olly’s Published Research:
Further information on what to expect: