Hydrotherapy Brisbane

Hydrotherapy Brisbane FAQ – Your Questions Answered

Welcome to the Hydrotherapy Brisbane FAQ page! Here you’ll find answers to common questions about our services, facilities, and how we help people reduce pain,  recover from injury & surgery, improve mobility, and maintain wellness.

Hydrotherapy, also called aquatic physiotherapy, involves the treatment of patients using both hands-on physiotherapy techniques & therapeutic exercises in water. The buoyancy reduces both the weight & stress on the joints, making it ideal for rehabilitation, pain management, and improving movement.

Yes, our hydrotherapy pools are maintained at therapeutic temperatures:

  • Shallow Pool: 34°C – thermoneutral temperature, perfect for gentle exercises and rehabilitation.
  • Deep Pool: 30°C – ideal for fitness, deep water running, and no-impact training.

While our pools are not public pools, members of the public can access them safely but due to the number of rehabilitation clients, we follow a strict safety code:

  • New clients must complete a health screening and an initial assessment with a physiotherapist to determine the most appropriate management plan.  
  • Clients may then continue with individual physiotherapy treatment sessions, classes, or self-managed programs. The best option is determined after discussion with the physiotherapist to determine the best overall management plan. Using self-managed programs  will depend on the patients  safety and ability.
  • Swimming ability is not required for individual treatments but may limit access to some classes or self-managed sessions, If  water confidence is a problem the client will need to be one-on-one with the physiotherapist at all times.

We reserve the right to suggest alternate attendance options for medical or safety reasons. Age or ability is not a barrier—our youngest client is 3 months and our oldest is 93!

Clients are able to self-refer however a referral or approval is required for some funding models eg DVA, Medicare, Workcover, Aged Care and NDIS.

Wear comfortable, water-appropriate clothing:

  • Swimwear (appropriate bathing suits, bikini with shirt covering, board shorts, rash shirt)
  • Lightweight gym wear

Avoid heavy fabrics like cotton. A swim cap is optional but we ask that you tie long hair up

Yes, our Aspley facility has large male and female change rooms, plus 4 accessible change rooms/curtained areas.

No, most hydrotherapy sessions do not require head submersion. Some exercises may slightly wet the back of your hair; you can wear a swim cap or let your physiotherapist know if you prefer to stay dry.

Yes. Most exercises don’t require swimming or head submersion. Occasionally your glasses may get splashed; towels are available to dry them.

Swimming is not essential. Your physiotherapist will guide you through safe exercises tailored to your ability, including group, individual, or self-managed sessions. Ultimately we are responsible for choosing safe options for clients.

Our clinic is on the top floor of the Robinson Road Marketplace in Aspley. Free parking is available underneath, with 2 lifts accessing the pool level.

Pricing depends on the service: individual therapy, classes, or self-managed programs. Most private health funds provide rebates for aquatic physiotherapy with a gap fee for both health funds & Medicare. HICAPS is available on-site for immediate claims. Please enquire about our current fees.

  • Individual one-on-one Physiotherapy: Personalised hydrotherapy (aquatic physiotherapy)  and land-based treatment & management plans.
  • Hydrotherapy & Aquatic Exercise Classes: Group physiotherapy sessions for strength, balance, and wellness with gentle & more vigorous options.
  • Self-Managed Programs: Tailored exercises you can do independently if safety requirements are met.
  • Specialist Programs: Post-surgery rehab, chronic pain, neurological conditions, arthritis management, and paediatric physiotherapy
  • Private health fund rebates are available for both land and aquatic physiotherapy.
  • We accept DVA, WorkCover, Aged Care and Third Party patients with appropriate approval.
  • Medicare may partially cover sessions for chronic conditions under GP referral.

Yes! Improvement is possible years after events like a stroke or ABI. Therapy goals will be discussed with your physiotherapist to ensure meaningful progress.

You should discuss this with your physio at assessment. Frequency depends on your condition and goals. Some clients benefit from 2–3 sessions per week initially; others may need only 1–2.

Home visits are not possible at present but you should inform your physio at assessment that you intend to use your home pool or another pool so they can discuss water depths and equipment available. Our purpose-built hydrotherapy pools provide the best equipment and environment. The physio would want to see you a few times to ensure the program is effective and later to progress it.

Many clients continue using the pool independently after initial assessment and follow-up treatment, or some attend classes like Balance & Mobility, Aqua Fitness, or Physio-Fit. . Pool use passes are available after you are approved for independent sessions.

Usually yes, but discuss how to manage these things with our physiotherapist Hydrotherapy is different from swimming—most clients keep their head out of the water. Many skin conditions are not affected by immersion and our water quality is designed to be gentle on the skin.

Yes! Once safety and water confidence are assessed, you can receive a program to attend the pool independently at a time to suit you.

In some situations, carers are required to get the client changed and ready for the physiotherapist prior to their assessment/session. Some carers may be in the pool with the physio to assist with a client and stay in close proximity in the pool to support safe participation. Carers may assist clients with seizures, unstable medical conditions, poor water confidence or frailty. Carers who do enter the pool need basic swimming skills. Carers may then be required to dress the patient after their session. If not in the pool with the physio they must stay in the clinic throughout the session. A carer attending PEP/independent sessions with their client needs good swimming and rescue skills.

 

  • After initial assessment the physio will recommend the most appropriate option for you. Classes may not be the most appropriate option for you to begin with.
  • For specific injuries or conditions, one-on-one sessions provide targeted therapy and modifications.
  • Individual sessions are recommended for pain management, balance issues, complex neurological conditions or post-surgery rehab.


Classes are great for core stability, general strength, mobility, fitness and maintenance.

Absolutely! Hydrotherapy supports fitness, cross-training, and injury prevention. Deep water fitness and aquatic exercise offer cardiovascular and strength benefits for all ages and abilities.

You can book via:

 

Still have questions?

If you have any other queries about our Hydrotherapy Brisbane services, facilities, or funding options, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team. We’re here to help you recover, prevent injury, and move better.

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Susan Patel

Susan takes great pride in being the friendly face behind the scenes at Hydrotherapy Brisbane.

As the Facilities Caretaker Susan keeps our facilities clean and operational, ensuring a comfortable environment for everyone.

Away from work Susan enjoys wine tastings, hanging out with her sons and chasing the family dog around.

Annabelle Connellan

Annabelle joined us in November 2025 and loves being a part of Hydrotherapy Brisbane. She is currently a 2nd year Physiotherapy student at ACU and is passionate about pursuing her future career in the field.

Annabelle enjoys customer service and building relationships with patients, ensuring they feel acknowledged, welcomed and safe on arrival. Working with us has further strengthened her enthusiasm for physiotherapy and her future as a clinician.

Outside of work, Annabelle enjoys staying active, spending time with family and friends, and maintaining a healthy balance between study and work.

Anne Baker

Anne has worked at Hydrotherapy Brisbane for 4 years.

She enjoys the customer service aspect of this receptionist position and the opportunity to interact with the wonderful diversity of clients that attend our practice.

After years working in Allied Health, Construction and Education Industries she is enjoying working in this Aquatic Physiotherapy environment.
Travel to Canada, Western Australia and Tasmania to spend time with family is her happy place.

Emma Taylor

With six years of experience in allied health, Emma thrives on the variety of supporting both her team and her clients.

She is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming environment at Hydrotherapy Brisbane and finds genuine fulfillment in watching patients achieve their health goals.

Outside of the clinic, Emma loves unwinding with a good book, heading off on camping adventures, or catching up with friends and family on the weekend.

Eliza Tayag

Eliza brings over seven years of experience in allied health, having previously worked as a Practice Manager and Massage Therapist for a multi-modality Clinic.

She has been a valued member of Hydrotherapy Brisbane since the end of 2023. She is dedicated, compassionate, and approachable, with a strong commitment to delivering high-quality customer service.

Outside of her professional role, Eliza is a band singer and co-owns a body art business with her partner. She enjoys listening to music, shopping and spending time with her family and beloved dogs.

Linda Savage

Linda is passionate about creating a welcoming, organised, and supportive environment for clients, families, and staff.

As Practice Manager, she oversee the day-to-day operations of our physiotherapy practice, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. She coordinates reception services, and helps clients access the funding and services they need with ease. She enjoys being a trusted point of contact for clients, referrers, funding bodies and community partners.

She supports our therapists by managing schedules, maintaining records, overseeing office systems, and assisting with administrative and financial tasks. Linda hopes every client has a positive experience and receives the highest standard of care.

Outside of work Linda loves spending time with family and friends especially camping in the family caravan.

Helen Ludford

Helen has many years experience working in a variety of areas but focused on rehabilitation. Initially gaining experience in hospitals, Helen’s special interest has moved to Aged Care and Hydrotherapy, or more correctly Physiotherapy in water!

Her interest and goal is keeping people moving as well as possible for as long as possible.

When not working, movement is still her interest … “Dance” is her sport!!

Caleb McKee

After graduating, Caleb travelled Australia’s East Coast, helping people of all ages overcome challenges and improve their quality of life through physiotherapy. He founded a rehabilitation and telehealth business, gaining extensive experience managing a wide range of conditions.

Caleb has a strong interest in working with adults and children with neurological conditions, chronic pain, sports and work related injuries. He supports patients through injury prevention, pre and post-operative rehabilitation, and long-term health and wellness. He combines hands-on therapy, education and tailored exercise programs, including progressive resistance training and aquatic therapy.

He has a keen interest in movement-based rehabilitation.
Outside of work, Caleb enjoys reading, gym training, bushwalking, and exploring new bakeries with family and friends.

Raine Mitchelson

Raine is one of our youngest (but brightest) physios, who has been working in the musculoskeletal and neurological space for 5 years now.

She currently works with a wide range of people including both adults and children, people with disabilities and the elderly. Her interests include women’s health, dance physiotherapy and Pilates.

She is also experienced in dry needling and headache treatment. Her hobbies include reading, playing games and exercise.

Matthew Wright

Matthew is passionate about helping his clients through their recovery journey, applying client focused treatment and personalised recovery plans.

Matthew is an experienced physiotherapist who works with clients of all ages. He has special interests in Aquatic physiotherapy, lower back pain and dysfunction, chronic pain, neurodiversity and Men’s health.

Matthew utilises a variety of modalities including Aquatic physiotherapy, dry needling, manual therapies and therapeutic exercise to help his clients achieve their best possible result and return to function .

Zac Thompson

Zac has been a long-time member of the staff with over 7 years’ experience as a physiotherapist and 5 years specifically for Hydrotherapy Brisbane.

He likes treating people of all ages with all types of disabilities and injuries, focusing his interests on Paediatrics and Neurological interventions in particular. Zac incorporates recent evidence-based treatment with a healthy dose of humour to make your physio sessions as effective and fun as possible – especially for the kids.

He’s a new dad himself, so his repertoire of songs and games is growing faster than ever. When describing himself, Zac would confidently call himself an ‘active nerd’ – mixing a blend of nerdy culture and fitness to help build a strong rapport with patients of all ages.

Ruth Steele

Ruth originally hails from Adelaide where she graduated with a strong foundation in musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

Over a career span of more than 30 years, her journey has taken her across a variety of clinical settings, with aquatic physiotherapy remaining a consistent & valued focus throughout.

She previously held a senior role in the hydrotherapy pool within the physiotherapy department while working at the Sydney Adventist Hospital, where she also had the privilege of working extensively within a multidisciplinary team in the area of cancer care & lymphoedema management.

Outside of work, Ruth loves bushing walking, music, & most of all gathering family & friends around the table for good food, conversation & connection.

Gretchen Bryan

Gretchen Bryan is a physiotherapist who graduated from the University of Queensland in 1995, with an early focus on hydrotherapy.

She began her career at Ryde Hospital before moving into private practice in Brisbane, where she developed expertise in manual therapies and musculoskeletal treatment. Since joining Hydrotherapy Brisbane in 2008 (relocating to Aspley in 2013), she has specialised in hydrotherapy while maintaining strong land-based skills. She further expanded her expertise in 2017 with certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

Gretchen is dedicated to high-quality, patient-focused care, combining clinical skill with a warm, supportive approach. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active and spending time with family, friends, and her dogs.

Clare Martinac

Clare is an experienced physiotherapist who over the course of her career has developed extensive expertise across musculoskeletal, orthopedic, and neurological physiotherapy. For more than twenty years, she has focused her practice on aquatic physiotherapy, where she is recognised for her depth of knowledge and commitment to high‑quality care.

Clare has completed Levels 1–3 of the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Aquatic Physiotherapy Courses and currently serves as the Queensland Chair of the Aquatic Special Interest Group. She is passionate about creating tailored opportunities for clients to succeed in the water and empowering them to become as self‑sufficient as possible in managing pain and movement challenges.

Outside of work, Clare enjoys hiking, reading, jazz, and spending time with her family.