THE HYDROTHERAPY UNIT IN USE

Since January 2001 the Hydrotherapy pool has been open to members of the public who need to use the facility. The elderly, many community groups and individuals who are recovering from an injury or accident.

The pool is open from 9.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday. To avail of a 40 minute session, ring the Holy Angels Hydrotherapy Unit at 059 9139617,

Garry Coady and Joanne Wall are the staff at the Holy Angels Hydrotherapy Unit Pool. The unit consists of a heated pool (7 x 4m), the temperature ranges from 34 - 37 degrees Celsius, two changing rooms with benches for changing, both of which are wheelchair accessible.

A Hydrotherapy pool has several modifications, such as mechanical hoists which lift patients in and out of the water, walking bars and special grips, all of which are designed to help people who find it difficult or painful to move. The water in a hydrotherapy pool is at body temperature. As would be expected voluntary movement has a greater beneficial effect on the muscles and would therefore be encouraged as much as possible.

A child with a condition such as Cerebral Palsy can move much more freely in the water supported by the buoyancy of the heated pool, without the restrictions that the normal environment can place on them. This more active movement is encouraged during a hydrotherapy session. Hydrotherapy is always an enjoyable activity for the child. The freedom of movement, the warmth of the water and the atmosphere of fun and play provide an excellent environment for carrying out this beneficial therapy. Even the pressure stretching and manipulating exercises which prove challenging on the exercise mats in the physiotherapy room can be carried out with ease in the pool environment.

The benefits of having the Hydrotherapy Unit in our premises has been immeasurable over the past nine years. We simply couldn't imagine Holy Angels without it!

The daily routine of the unit includes testing chemical levels of water, i.e. Chlorine levels, which is carried out after each group has finished using the pool.

RULES FOR USE OF THE POOL

1) Sessions last 40 minutes

2) One must shower before and after swim

3) Swimming hats must be worn

4) No Jewellery

5) No Make-up

6) Doctor/Physio. Must be consulted before use

7) Shoe covers are provided at the front door, could all clients please use them.

Would you like to contribute towards the upkeep of the Hydrotherapy Unit.

What are the benefits of hydrotherapy?

Almost everyone can benefit from hydrotherapy treatment. No matter how well the client may be, a good hydro treatment will leave a person feeling much better with a renewed sense of well being.

Circulatory System

* helps to develop a stronger heart

*improves oxygen to cells

*improves the supply of nutrition to cells

*elimination of metabolic wastes

*decreasing blood pressure

*increasing circulation of lymph

Digestive System

*relaxes the abdominal and intestinal muscles

*relieves tension

*stimulates activity of liver and kidneys

*elimination of waste material

Musculo/sketal systems

*relaxes or stimulates muscles

*strengthens muscles and connective tissue

*helps to keep muscles flexible

*relieves soreness, tension and stiffness

*excellent in relief of rheumatic conditions

Nervous System

*stimulates motor nerve points

*relieves restlessness and insomnia

*promotes a sense of well-being

*relieves pain

Respiratory System

*develops respiratory muscles

*assists in proper breathing

Lymph System

*cleanses the body of metabolic waste

*drains sluggish lymph nodes

Integument (skin) System

*stimulates blood to better nourish the skin

*improves tone and elasticity of skin

*helps to normalise gland function

Conditions most frequently relieved by regular hydro treatments.

*tension is relieved in muscles

*with the relief of tension there is a lessoning of stress and people feel better able to cope with life

*mental and physical fatigues are relieved leading to renewed energy

*pain and discomfort in neck, shoulder, back usually caused by strain and tension is relieved

*muscles become firmer and figure is improved

*circulation is improved, thus improving skin tone

*body metabolism is improved

*deep relaxation is induced and insomnia relieved

*obesity and flabby muscles can be improved when combined with proper diet programmes and exercise

*automatically improves cardiovascular and respiratory functions

*positively influences overall as well as local metabolism. This reduces arousal, pain and stiffness.

Mrs. Mary Robinson, then President of Ireland, launching the official opening of our Hydrotherapy unit on 11th September 1998.

Would you like to contribute towards the upkeep of the Hydrotherapy Unit.