On a warm and sunny Tuesday afternoon, Alliance Rehabilitation launched its inaugural hydrotherapy class on Magnetic Island for MiCare participants. Seventeen ladies from the aged care community service turned out to participate in the new class run by our Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
The new partnership is bringing fitness and fun to the over-65 demographic with classes running weekly at the community pool. The State School’s pool has portable steps, provided by MiCare, to ease access into the pool as well as a hoist transfer option to ensure nobody misses out. The women participating were excited to get back in the pool again following its closure to the public due to Covid. Despite the women’s differing mobility and fitness levels, they were all excited to learn together and have fun.
MiCare Group Activities Coordinator, Linda Hackett, organised the group following expressions of interest from the members. She said, “The need was there, and our clients were asking us to introduce a water-based class.” MiCare had previously run water aerobics classes at Townsville’s Kokoda Pool, but interest wavered due to the long travel commitment.
Alliance Rehabilitation provides allied health services to participants on Magnetic Island, working out of Latitude 19 Medical Centre. Our clinicians facilitate regular hydrotherapy classes in Townsville and are skilled at increasing participant engagement. Hydrotherapy is a water-based rehabilitation service which uses the support of water to improve balance, range of movement, muscle strength, and cardiovascular fitness. The targeted activities ease physical stress on the body and are more relaxing than land-based exercise. The sessions are designed to be fun and creative with supervision to encourage confidence.
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Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Jacinta, led the group through different exercises while two exercise physiology students supervised in the water to ensure the women were supported. Jacinta encouraged the women to take the class at their own pace and make modifications if necessary. The class incorporated flotation equipment (pool noodles and kick boards), with the women saying their favourite exercises were the pool noodle strength exercise and the ‘pump up the air mattress’ move. They said after the class, they found it easier to move in the water and enjoyed the social time with their friends.
MiCare has been looking after residents on the island since 1997. Participants are assessed by My Aged Care, but all still live independently or with a live-in carer. Linda said she always tries to find new and interesting ways to keep the groups engaged. She is happy the class proved popular as the exercise aspect will keep them healthier and mobile for longer.
The class is providing fun, fitness, and a social connection for its participants. Hydrotherapy is designed to relieve pain in a comfortable and supportive environment and Alliance Rehabilitation is passionate about encouraging total mental and physical wellbeing. We are excited to see everyone’s progress over the coming weeks and hope to help each participant reach their goals.
Interested in Hydrotherapy? Read more here or Contact us today
For more information about about MiCare, visit their website.
