Hydrotherapy refers to the application of water as a means of rehabilitation.

The Department of Hydrotherapy at DIAPLASIS Rehabilitation and Recovery Center, is staffed by highly trained hydrotherapists, who implement the appropriate rehabilitation programs under the doctors’ guidance.

At “DIAPLASIS”, the treatments take place in a modern, aboveground, fully-equipped heated pool, which meets the latest specifications, and includes supporting devices, hydro-gymnastic equipment, hydro-treadmill, hydro massage system and reverse swimming. Electronic lifters – hoists are used for the easy access and the safe entry of patients with mobility difficulties into the pool. Monitoring windows help the therapists to monitor the patients’ movements in the water, to provide a complete picture and be given the correct feedback. The rehabilitation programs are executed in three depth levels, depending on the therapeutic targets.

At “DIAPLASIS” the Department of Hydrotherapy is able, with absolute specialization, to deal with a wide range of disorders:

• Neurological disorders– such as:
  • Cerebrovascular accidents
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries
  • Injuries of the spine and spinal cord
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Meningomyelocele
  • Quadriplegia
  • Paraplegia

• Orthopedic and Rheumatic disorders – such as:
  • Fractures – Dislocations
  • Back Pain – Sciatica
  • Cervical syndrome
  • Brachial plexus
  • Spondylolysis – Spondylolisthesis
  • Periarthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Osteoporosis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Myopathies
  • Herniated intervertebral disc
  • Amputations

• Cardiorespiratory Diseases

• Postoperative rehabilitation – such as:
  • Knee disorders
  • Fractures
  • Spinal disorders

• Rehabilitation of sports injuries – such as:
  • Myotenositis
  • Ligament injuries
  • Joint Injuries
  • Fractures
  • Overuse syndromes

With the personalized kinesiotherapy program that is implemented in the therapeutic pool at “DIAPLASIS”, the patient takes advantages of his/her capabilities and abilities in the water. Thanks to buoyancy, one of the basic water properties, body weight does not need to be supported by the legs. Thus, the movements of the upper and lower extremities and the spine are done with greater ease and with more freedom. The tranquility of the water, coupled with the area’s appropriate surroundings, ensures a pleasant cooperation between the patient and the hydrotherapist, which is the key to successful rehabilitation. By immersing the patient in the warm water of the therapeutic pool at “DIAPLASIS” and in combination with the other water properties, the following are achieved:

• Reduced sensitivity to pain.
• Promotion of muscle relaxation.
• Decrease of muscle spasm.
• Facilitates joint movement, improving the orbit of stiff joints.
• Muscular strength and endurance are increased.
• The body’s kinesthesis and balance, neuromuscular assembly and stability of the torso are improved.
• The respiratory muscles are improved.
• Peripheral and lymphatic circulation is improved, thus helping to absorb swellings and hematomas.
• Rehabilitation time is sped up and complications are prevented.
• The patient’s morale and self-confidence are improved

The Department of Hydrotherapy applies the Halliwick method, by highly trained hydrotherapists from the HALLIWICK ASSOCIATION OF GREECE SWIMMING AND THERAPY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES according to which:

• The right support that is provided by the instructor allows the swimmer to gain the mobility that he/she may not have tried on the ground.
• Perhaps for the first time in their lives, they can experience complete mobility.
• Swimmers are taught how to maintain a safe breathing position, how to retrieve this position from another position and how to control exhalation when their face is in the water.
• The become familiar with all of the body’s possible rotations and learn how to start, control and stop these rotations when they want.
• The buoyancy force, turbulence and resistance to motion are considered, along with the metacentric effects.

The result is a safe swimmer, whose confidence is based on both sound knowledge of the water and to the ability to control his/her movements in the water.