Underwater Treadmills

A hydrotherapy treadmill uses the natural properties of water to promote a safer, more controlled, and low-impact exercise environment for the patient. Depending on the model and programme, users can benefit from:

• Buoyancy: The natural buoyancy of water supports the user’s weight, reducing the overall load on the joints and soft tissues.
• Water resistance: Water resistance creates a unique environment for users where their muscles work harder when engaging in walking or running, whilst the impact on the joints and body is reduced in comparison to land-based exercises.
• Hydrostatic pressure: Water naturally applies pressure to the body, with the pressure increasing as the water depth increases. This provides gentle, consistent compression to submerged areas, which can support circulation, help manage swelling, and provide additional sensory feedback during movement.
• Surface tension: The surface of the water creates additional resistance when a limb moves through it. This can be used to make certain movements more challenging and provides another way to vary exercises according to the user’s capabilities and rehabilitation goals.
• Adjustable water depth: Changing the depth of the water alters the level of buoyancy and weight bearing, allowing sessions to be customised to the exact needs of the user.
• Controlled speed: The treadmill belt offers a steady and measurable pace, supporting a variety of walking capabilities, as well as the opportunity to curate personalised plans based on data from previous sessions.
• Warm water: Warmer temperatures are known to make movement more comfortable, relax muscles and joints, and reduce discomfort.
• Progressive exercise: Water depth, treadmill speed, and other settings can be adjusted to match the capabilities of the user, allowing you to set the intensity to support their strength, mobility, and confidence.