Hydrotherapy in Bolton & Whitefield
At Active Physiotherapy, we’re proud to offer private hydrotherapy at both our Bolton and Whitefield clinics, using the excellent pool facilities at Total Fitness.
Hydrotherapy is ideal for patients who struggle with exercise on land. By using a warm-water pool, we help you perform targeted exercises and movements that reduce pain, restore function, and speed recovery.
What is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy uses the unique properties of water to make exercise easier and more effective. The buoyancy of water supports your body weight, reducing pressure on joints and allowing pain-free movement. Water resistance helps strengthen muscles, while the warmth of the pool encourages relaxation, flexibility, and increased joint mobility.
Our hydrotherapy sessions take place in:
Small pool – Average temperature 31°C.
Specialist hydrotherapy pool – Average temperature 35°C with hot power jets for targeted muscle relaxation.
Conditions Hydrotherapy Can Help With
Hydrotherapy can be especially beneficial for:
Post-operative rehabilitation (knee, ankle, hip, and shoulder surgery)
Arthritis and joint stiffness
Chronic musculoskeletal pain
Sports injury recovery
Mobility and balance issues
Early-stage rehabilitation when land-based exercise is too painful
Patient Journey
Initial assessment – We discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and goals.
Tailored hydrotherapy plan – Your physiotherapist designs a pool-based program suited to your needs.
Supervised sessions – Your exercises are guided to ensure safety, correct form, and progression.
Ongoing progress checks – We adapt your program as you improve, with the option to transition to land-based rehab when ready.
Treatment Options
Hydrotherapy for post-surgery recovery
Arthritis-friendly exercise programs
Sports rehabilitation in water
Gentle mobility training for chronic conditions
Meet Your Hydrotherapists
Our physiotherapists are trained in both land-based and water-based rehabilitation, ensuring a smooth transition from early-stage recovery to full mobility.
Richard Hulbert
Lead Physiotherapist
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Richard qualified as a physiotherapist from the University of Bradford in 2006. He then moved back home to Bury to work in a local physiotherapy practice part-time whilst continuing to study Masters level modules in chronic pain and therapeutic exercise at a university. He then began working for Bury Football Club where he worked with the first team, youth team and academy from 2007-2015 when his work with Active Physiotherapy took over all his time. Richard has been the lead physiotherapist at both our Whitefield ond Bolton since 2008 and has a wealth of experience treated all ages for a wide variety of conditions. He has specific clinical interest in cervicogenic headaches, low back pain, neck pain and sports injuries. He is also heavily involved in the trade association of private physiotherapists in the UK called Physio First where he is currently fulfilling the role of Honorary Membership Officer. In his spare time Richard enjoys spending time with his family and friends and travelling the world exploring new places and watching the odd bit of live sport!.
Stelios Nicolaou
Senior Physiotherapist
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Stelios is an experienced Senior MSK Physiotherapist with a bachelors degree from the European University of Cyprus. He has worked in a variety of private settings including private clinics, community physiotherapy, working with the elderly out of care home and with a more active population in a gym setting.
Stelios is particularly interested in treating people with sporting injuries, shoulder conditions, ankle and knee pain.
He has extensive experience in working with people with lower back pain and chronic pain.
Stelios used to be a semi professional indoor football player and loves sports.
Our Clinics
Bolton:
At Total Fitness Gym
Waters Meeting Road
Bolton, BL1 8TT
Phone: 0800 619 1261
Whitefield:
At Total Fitness
Bury New Road
Manchester, M45 7TA
Phone: 0800 619 1261
How to Book
Book online or call us on 0800 619 1261 to arrange your hydrotherapy assessment and first session.
Hydrotherapy FAQs
Do I need to be able to swim?
No, hydrotherapy takes place in shallow water and is fully supervised.
Will my session be one-to-one?
Yes, your physiotherapist will work with you directly to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Is hydrotherapy covered by insurance?
It may be, please check your policy and we can provide any required documentation.
Why Choose Us...
We specialise in offering 'Physio for the whole family'
Experienced Physios
Our highly trained team have the skills to ensure a speedy recovery.
Advanced Treatment
Our treatment is more than just any treatment, its to benefit you now and for the future.
We Get Results
Your goals are our goals, we work with you to make sure you achieve them.