Physiotherapy Hydrotherapy - Royal North Shore Hospital

We provide treatment for: 

• Back pain or joint pain
• Post joint replacement surgeries
• Conditions that affect the bone or joint
• Post traumatic injuries and fractures
• Balance and falls prevention
• Patients that have difficulty exercising on land due to their condition

Aquatic Physiotherapy is an exercise based service that is conducted in warm water. 

To your land based assessment:  

• Relevant imaging and scans  
• List of your current medications  
• Medicare card  
• Your referral letter from your GP/Specialist 
• Please wear loose comfortable clothing to your assessment  

To your pool sessions:  

• Swimwear 
• Towel 
• Drink bottle  
• Emergency medication e.g. inhalers  
• If diabetic bring a sugary snack  

Your GP or non- GP specialist is always your first step in seeking treatment for any condition. The patient should reside within the North Shore area.

You will be referred to our service if your treating provider feels that you may benefit from Aquatic Physiotherapy.  

Once your referral is received it will be reviewed by a physiotherapist and you will be placed on a waiting list. You will be contacted when an appointment becomes available.  

The aquatic physiotherapy medical clearance form needs to be completed by the patient's treating doctor.

Aquatic physiotherapy medical clearance form

Indications for referral:  

• Patients > 16 years old  
• Live in the Royal North Shore Hospital/ Ryde Hospital catchment area  
• Musculoskeletal conditions, post-operative patients, post trauma patients, patients with rheumatologic conditions  
• Able to participate in a group setting and require minimal supervision to complete program  
• Good cognition skills 
• Medically screened for suitability to exercise in a pool heated to 33  

Exclusion Criteria:  

• Patients requiring one on one supervision. 
• Unable to attend department for assessment and treatment (no transport available) 
• Paediatric patients e.g. developmental disability 
• Received Hydrotherapy for the same condition in the previous 12 months 
• Enhanced Care Plan (used for private AH providers) 
• Patients under compensable schemes e.g. Work cover, CTP  

Out of NSLHD: 

• Reason must be stated explicitly  
• Resident of other LHD that does not provide the clinical service 
• Continuing care of existing condition already managed by NSLHD 
• Demonstrated complexity requiring services of NSLHD 
• Compassionate circumstances, e.g. family, proximity, staff 

The following information must be included for referral to be accepted: 

• GP/ Medical Specialist Referral  
• Referral must contain enough information to triage referral as acute, sub-acute or chronic and include medical and medication history 
• Please complete the Aquatic Medical clearance Form - Aquatic physiotherapy medical clearance form  

Providing more information will aid the triage process and make it more likely that your patient will be seen in the most timely manner possible. 

Please submit referrals via fax or email. 

 
Address letters to RNSH Hydrotherapy  
Fax: 9463 1086 
Email: NSLHD-RNSH-Hydrotherapy@health.nsw.gov.au