The inspiration for this project came from the late Rose Richardson supported alongside by her Husband, Dave.

Rose, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the late 1990s, spearheaded fundraising efforts with her Husband Dave through their organisation ‘Hydro 16’ to bring a Hydrotherapy pool to the Rochdale area.

As Rose’s condition worsened, she was advised to visit a hydrotherapy pool to help manage her pain. A hydrotherapy pool is particularly helpful for treating Parkinson's symptoms because the temperature is higher than a normal swimming pool which helps muscles to relax; easing joints, reducing pain, and making gentle exercise much easier. Unfortunately, the family didn’t have access to facilities locally.

Dave and Rose managed to raise a substantial amount over the years, through hosting various events / functions. In 2021, Hydro 16 were awarded a £100,000 grant from Virior Limited. This enabled us to make this dream a reality. Sadly, six weeks after the good news Rose passed away.

Dave, with help from Castleton Health and Leisure CIC, did not give up and continued to fundraise. Gathering a number of generous donations from the general public, Rochdale Freemasons, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, Action Together and Parkinson’s UK

In April 2024, the Hydrotherapy pool opened it’s doors to the public. Initially starting off with parkinson’s patients, we started to see the benefits of this fantastic facility straight away. With increased mobility, pain reduction, greater mental health and a heap of other benefits.

What is Hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy involves special exercises that you do in a warm-water pool. The water temperature is usually heated between 33.5°C - 35°C, which is warmer than a typical swimming pool.

Hydrotherapy can help in a number of different ways:

  • The warmth of the water allows your muscles to relax and eases the pain in your joints, helping you to exercise.

  • The water supports your weight, which helps to relieve pain and increase the range of movement in your joints.

  • The water can be used to provide resistance to moving your joints. By pushing your arms and legs against the water, you can also improve your muscle strength.

  • We have noted an improvement in mental health for Hydrotherapy clients. We suspect this may be because the water is providing deep relaxation, whilst enabling people to move more freely and do things that they are unable to do outside of the water. Leading to an increase in self-confidence and well-being.

Pool Access

Entrance to the Hydrotherapy pool is via the right side of the building, through the metal gates and into reception.

The facility has two disabled changing rooms, a pool hoist and ladders to enter the water. The facility does not have walk-in steps due to spacing limitations.

PLEASE NOTE:

The Hydrotherapy pool hoist has a maximum weight capacity of 130kg / 20 stone. If you require a hoist to enter / exit the water and you are above this weight limit, then our facility will not be able to accomodate you.

Who can benefit from Hydrotherapy?

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Parkinson’s disease

  • Neuropathy

  • Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Muscular Dystrophy

  • Post and pre-surgery

  • Sports Injuries

  • Back Injuries

  • Neuropathy

  • Rheumatism

  • Lumbago

  • Poor blood circulation

  • Tendonitis

  • COPD

  • Stroke Patients

  • Varicose Veigns

  • Diabetes

  • Migraines

  • Sciatica

Summary of Benefits

  • Reduced pain

  • Faster recovery from surgery

  • Re-education and encouragement of normal movement

  • Allows standing in those who are unable to weight-bear out of the water – the buoyancy effect of water

  • Improved walking technique

  • Improved aerobic fitness levels

  • Improved balance and coordination

  • Increased strength of weak muscles

  • Increased range of movement of your joints

  • Improved independence and function

  • Improved circulation

  • Mobilising and lengthening your muscles

  • Improve self-confidence

  • Reduce the fear of falling

  • A relaxing and calming experience.

Pricing

1 hour Pool Access: £45.00
(Maximum 45 minutes in the water. Due to high temperature)

Staff assistance = £30.00
(Our Staff are not trained Physio’s, they can aid and assist in some circumstances where a client needs help in the water, such as a client with Parkinson’s or MS)

Bookings available online or via telephone.