Aquatic Therapy at Esther Miller Physiotherapy
Esther on “the magic of water”
Esther has had a life-long passion for the water, driven by the joy of seeing patients enter the comfort of the warm water, giving a sigh of relief as they return back to a familiar, womb-like environment and allowing their bodies to be held and to heal.
The evidence both in the research and in the practical day-to-day results that she sees with her patients continues to inspire her and to expand her work in this field.
“It is the combination of the phenomenal properties of water and my passion for the human body that creates the space for me to do what I enjoy most… facilitating a therapeutic process and allowing a discovery of the body’s capacity to heal. Using the science of aquatic therapy and the human body to underpin my treatment approach, I strive to unlock the joy of movement, the relief of pain and the ability to partner up with yourself to allow the body to heal.”
The drive to provide her patients with quality care in a world-class facility led to the collaboration with Helen Seaman to design, develop and build such a facility at Great Oaks retirement Village in Constantia, Cape Town. This facility boasts a dedicated, heated indoor ozone pool including hoist access, to ensure that even those patients with severe mobility impairments are able to access this beautiful pool.
What is Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy is a specialised form of physiotherapy conducted in a heated pool. Using the unique properties of water—buoyancy, resistance, and hydrostatic pressure—the therapist is able to support, assist, and challenge the body in ways not possible on land.
The physiological effects of immersion caused by the hydrostatic pressure exerted on the body by the water causes a reduction of gravitational load on joints, improved circulation to all areas of the body (including the brain), and a safe environment to nurture and challenge muscles and soft tissues.
Water’s natural resistance provides an effective space to build strength and endurance, while its warmth soothes pain and promotes healing.
Aquatic therapy is utilized for all ages, abilities and conditions including those recovering from surgery and individuals seeking to improve mobility, balance, and fitness in a gentle environment.
Our Aquatic Therapy Facilities
Our dedicated indoor heated pool is purpose-built for therapy and rehabilitation. The water is maintained at an optimal therapeutic temperature of 33 degrees Celsius, ensuring comfort throughout your session.
The highest standards of hygiene and safety are a priority: the pool is equipped with a triple sanitation system using O3 (ozone), ionization, and ultraviolet light. This innovative approach ensures exceptionally high quality, clean water without the harsh effects of traditional chemicals.
Accessibility for all mobility impaired patients is a core value in our practice. The pool features an electronically operated, ceiling-mounted hoist, allowing individuals with mobility challenges to enter and exit the water easily and safely. The entire facility is designed to be inclusive, ensuring everyone can benefit from aquatic therapy.
There are ample changerooms (including showers) for patients to use prior to and after their session. There is also a large disability shower room for wheelchair users. The adjoining “Wet Room” which is located next to the pool area boasts a padded shower bed/trolley which allows wheelchair users to change with ease and dignity before being hoisted into the pool. It also allows them to shower and change easily after their session, avoiding getting the wheelchair wet.
The therapy pool is located in the Lifestyle Centre at Great Oaks, where patients can relax after their treatment and enjoy the services of the Coffee Bar and Restaurant located in the centre.
Esther’s Experience and Credentials
As the lead practitioner, Esther brings her passion for her profession in both land-based and aquatic therapy. With her diverse qualifications in physiotherapy, group fitness training and as a registered WATSU practitioner with over 30 years in the aquatic industry, she brings a wealth of experience and an ability to meet each patient where they are at.
She started the first private aquatic therapy practice in Cape Town and has subsequently been involved in physiotherapy practice in Cape Town and London.
Her journey into the water started when she was a young student, witnessing the incredible impact that water had on a young child who was unable to walk. This passion has grown over the years and led her to design and work in many therapy pools where patients can experience the magic of the water!
Esther regularly attends international workshops and actively teaches aquatic therapy to other professionals, ensuring that each patient receives the most current and effective treatments available and at the same time sharing her passion with her colleagues.
Aquatic Therapy Services
Each patient has a thorough assessment which allows Esther and her colleagues to create a comprehensive picture of the patient and their health needs. This creates the foundation of a tailor-made program for each patient, whether recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or seeking to improve general mobility and well-being.
Individual Aquatic Therapy
Individual Aquatic therapy allows the physiotherapist to use the properties of water to achieve the therapeutic goals following the assessment. It is often integrated with land-based treatments to maximise recovery and functional gains.
Different Aquatic Therapy techniques can be used and adapted to maximise the benefits of each session. This could include Bad Ragaz Ring Method, Halliwick, WATSU®, Water Specific Therapy, Modified Neurodevelopmental/Bobath Techniques, Deep Water Traction and/or Aquatic Cardiovascular Training.
Our approach is patient-centered and evidence-based, focusing on the goals and quality of life that each patient strives for.
WATSU ®
WATSU® is a gentle form of aquatic bodywork that combines elements of massage, joint mobilisation, and stretching in warm water. This technique has been found effective in managing chronic conditions, pain management, dysautonomia and mental health challenges, to name but a few.
Ai Chi/Mindfulness classes form part of our holistic approach. Ai Chi is a gentle, flowing movement practice performed in warm water. It integrates elements of Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and mindfulness to promote relaxation, nervous system regulation, and a sense of wellbeing. These classes are proven to help with pain control, stress reduction, mental health, and falls prevention. They are suitable for all levels and are an excellent complement to physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Aquatic Therapy Group classes
Our aquatic therapy classes are designed for those who want to manage their health conditions in a safe environment and under the supervision of a physiotherapist, whilst getting all the benefits of a comprehensive exercise class. Our class offerings are varied and structured to match your current abilities and rehabilitation goals, which could include:
Gentle Mobility: For those with limited movement or early recovery, focusing on gentle range-of-motion and supported exercises.
Functional Strength: For clients improving muscle strength, joint stability, and posture using water resistance.
Balance and Coordination: Exercises designed to enhance balance, core stability, and reduce fall risk.
Cardiovascular Fitness: Water-based aerobic activities suitable for all ages and abilities.
Brain Integration: Classes that incorporate exercises stimulating different brain areas, supporting neuroplasticity and cognitive health.
As each class is led by an experienced physiotherapists, it allows for individual adaptions for each participant to ensure safety and progress whilst working in a group setting.
Class Schedule
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00–9:45 am | Aquatherapy | ||||
| 10:00–10:45 am | Aquatherapy | Aquatherapy | |||
| 12:00–1:00 pm | Ai Chi / Mindfulness | Ai Chi / Mindfulness | |||
| 4:30–5:30 pm | Aquatherapy | ||||
| 5:00–5:45 pm | Aquatherapy | Aquatherapy |
Conditions Treated with Aquatic Therapy
Our practice successfully treats a wide range of conditions with aquatic therapy, including:
- Arthritis and Rheumatological conditions (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis)
- Post-surgical rehabilitation (e.g., joint replacements, spinal surgery)
- Chronic pain (fibromyalgia, back pain, neck pain, CPRS, Centralised Nervous System Sensitisation)
- Neurological conditions (Stroke, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Spinal Cord Injuries), Traumatic Brain Injuries, Neoplasm of the Nervous System)
- Orthopaedic Conditions (fractures, sprains, strains, overuse injuries)
- Sports injuries
- Balance and mobility issues
- Muscle weakness and deconditioning following surgery or injury
- Falls prevention
- Pediatric Conditions including developmental delay, sensory integration dysfunction and hypermobility syndromes (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome)
- Neurodiversity presenting with dysautonomia, POTS, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Hypermobility syndrome, ADHD, ADD, PDA and/ Burnout Syndrome.
- Geriatric rehabilitation
- Stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges
