Hydrotherapy Services
Physio-led hydrotherapy at your local pool for NDIS participants, people with disabilities, and anyone working through rehabilitation
Moving on land can be painful. For a lot of people we work with - whether they're recovering from surgery, living with a disability, or managing a long-term condition, exercise on dry land feels uncomfortable, exhausting, or simply not possible yet.
That's where hydrotherapy comes in.
In the water, your body weighs significantly less. Joints are offloaded. Muscles can move more freely. And for many of our clients, the pool becomes the place where real progress starts happening again.
At People First Therapy, our physiotherapists, they come to your pool. We meet you at a local pool in your area, get in the water with you, and work through a program that's built around your specific goals and needs.
Whether you're an NDIS participant, receiving aged care support, or self-funding your rehabilitation, we're registered to provide hydrotherapy services across Sydney.
What is hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy, also called aquatic physiotherapy, is exercise and rehabilitation that takes place in warm water, under the guidance of a trained physiotherapist.
Why water makes a difference?
Three properties of water make it particularly useful for rehabilitation and disability support:
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Buoyancy reduces the load on your joints and muscles. You can often move in ways that aren't possible on land.
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Resistance from the water helps build strength without putting stress on recovering tissue.
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Warmth (most hydrotherapy pools are heated to around 33–35°C) helps relax tight muscles and reduce discomfort before and during movement.
For people with conditions that make land-based exercise painful or difficult, this combination can be genuinely life-changing.
How our hydrotherapy sessions work
Get in touch or make a referral
You can reach out directly, or a career, support coordinator, GP, or family member can make a referral on your behalf. We'll have an initial conversation to understand your situation and confirm whether hydrotherapy is the right fit.
Initial assessment
Before your first pool session, one of our physiotherapists will complete an assessment. This helps us understand your current abilities, any safety considerations, and what you're hoping to achieve. It also gives us the information we need to build a program that actually works for you.
Sessions at your local pool
We come to a pool that works for you, whether that's near your home, your accommodation, or a facility you're already familiar with. Your physiotherapist will be in the water with you for the session, guiding you through your program and adjusting exercises as needed.
Progress and review
We track your progress over time and regularly review your program to make sure it's still the right fit. As you build strength and confidence, your program evolves with you.
NDIS Hydrotherapy
People First Therapy is a registered NDIS provider. If you have an NDIS plan, hydrotherapy sessions can often be funded through it, you shouldn't need to pay out of pocket.
Which NDIS support categories cover hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is typically funded under:
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Improved Daily Living (Support Category 15) — the most common category for physiotherapy and aquatic physiotherapy
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Improved Health and Wellbeing (Support Category 20) — sometimes used when the focus is on maintaining or improving general fitness and function
The right category for you will depend on your plan and your goals. If you're not sure, our team can help clarify this with you or your support coordinator.
Plan managed, agency managed, or self-managed?
We work with NDIS participants across all plan management types:
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Agency managed — we bill the NDIA directly
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Plan managed — we invoice your plan manager
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Self-managed — we invoice you directly, and you claim reimbursement from the NDIA
Why choose People First Therapy
At People First Therapy, we believe that exceptional care begins with compassion and understanding. We take pride in offering patient-centered services that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual we serve, where every individual is treated with respect and dignity.
We are deeply committed to helping you achieve your goals with support, encouragement, and evidence-based treatments designed to empower you with your health and well-being journey.
Learn more about us
Personalised Care: To meet your unique needs and goals.
Experienced Team: Years of expertise and a compassionate approach.
NDIS Registered: We're accredited to provide NDIS services.
Mobile Services: Therapy services in the community or direct to your door.
Evidence-Based Treatments: Grounded in the latest research.
Holistic Approach: We consider your physical, emotional, and social well-being.
What people say about us
I am very happy with the physiotherapy service provided by Chris for my daughter, who has Global Developmental Delay with low muscle tone. Over time, I’ve seen positive changes in her mobility and strength. I also appreciate the comprehensive reports he provides for her NDIS needs and goals.
Recently, I used their support coordination service with Jemma, who provided valuable guidance and support for my daughter's needs and future planning. People First Therapy has been a great resource for my daughter’s therapy, and I’m pleased with the care and dedication they provide.
Lila
I was concerned about Renate's ability to walk, but after working with Chris, she has gained confidence in using her walker. She feels more comfortable with it, and we’ve noticed improvements in her leg strength. Thank you, Chris.
Margaret
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to a hydrotherapy session?
Comfortable swimwear is all you need — a swimsuit, board shorts, or whatever you usually wear in the water. We'll let you know if there's anything specific to bring for your first session.
Do I need to be able to swim?
No. You don't need to be able to swim to do hydrotherapy. Sessions take place in shallow, warm water, and your physiotherapist is in the pool with you throughout. We work within what's comfortable and safe for you.
Which pools do you use in Sydney?
We work at a range of pools across Sydney, including public pools, aquatic centres, and in some cases private facilities. When we get in touch, we'll find out which pool options are closest to you and work out what's most practical.
Contact People First Therapy
Contact us today to learn more about how our services can meet your needs. We're here to answer any questions you may have.
