I have been asked to share with you some of the experiences I have had in regards to a hydrotherapy program that I started at the end of last year with the support of Northcott.

I have to say it has been quite a journey so far. Initially I was a little reluctant to try hydrotherapy because it had been a very long time since I had been swimming; but my Northcott physiotherapist, Di Hasler, thought that I would benefit greatly from the extra movement and range of motion offered by water so I decided to give it a try. Boy am I glad that I did!

My initial apprehension was soon replaced by a strong sense of joy and a feeling of freedom that I had not experienced for a long time. Having muscular dystrophy means that for a very long time I have relied on the use of a powerchair for most of my mobility. But when I entered the water, and soon became comfortable in it, the feeling of freedom was almost overwhelming.

I now do my hydrotherapy sessions once per week with a support worker who is with me for assistance, both in the water and when I’m getting changed before hand and dressed after. I am so totally glad that I pushed through that initial slight anxiety and gave it a go – it’s fantastic!

The pool that I attend is the Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre at Lidcombe, which is brilliantly set up with wheelchair access and a program pool with a water temperature of around 30 degrees – which is almost bath-like.

I really do urge anyone reading this that has even a slight interest in the benefits of hydrotherapy to give it a go. I’m sure glad that I did – I now love it!

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