You absolutely don't need to know how to swim! Aquatic therapy isn't swimming—it's guided movement in water where you're always supported. We use flotation devices, and you'll be in control the entire time. Our pool has a ramp for easy entry, and we have water-safe wheelchairs if needed. Lynda and the team have over 28 years of experience working with clients who are nervous about water, and we'll go at your pace.

The pool is not very deep—if you are over 5'4" tall you will be able to stand on the pool floor all the way to the deep end.

Wear a comfortable swimsuit for pool sessions (one-piece suits work best for aquatic therapy). Bring a towel—there are hooks on poolside to hang towels, which is especially helpful in winter when corridor temperatures are cooler.

For gym sessions, wear comfortable athletic clothing and supportive trainers. If you use mobility aids, bring them—our facility at Aspire Leisure Centre is fully accessible with ramps and water-safe wheelchairs available.

We provide all specialized equipment like flotation collars and weight cuffs.

We completely understand this concern—it's one of the most common things we hear. The beauty of aquatic therapy is that water supports your body weight, making movement less painful than on land. You'll feel about 90% lighter in the water, which means less stress on joints and muscles.

We always work within your comfort zone and adjust based on how you're feeling that day. Our approach is about making movement feel possible again, not pushing through pain.

The pool at Aspire Leisure Centre is kept at a comfortable therapeutic temperature (typically around 30-32°C), which is warmer than a standard pool. This warmth helps relax muscles and reduce pain.

If you have concerns about temperature regulation (common with MS, stroke recovery, or chronic pain), let us know—we can adjust session length. For example, neurological clients often do better with shorter 30-minute sessions to avoid getting chilly but this does vary depending on condition.

We have a partnership with SplashAbout Swimwear who offer thermal swimwear. They offer a 10% discount on their website for our clients at the link below: https://www.splashabout.com/discount/AQUATICACADEMY

Every recovery journey is different. During your initial assessment, we'll discuss realistic timelines based on your condition and goals. Most clients see progress within 4-6 sessions, but complex cases (like post-surgical rehab or neurological conditions) may need ongoing support.

We'll regularly review your progress together, and you're always in control of when you feel ready to finish or reduce frequency. Some clients "graduate" to independent exercise; others prefer ongoing maintenance sessions.

We currently operate on a private-pay basis and don't bill insurance directly. However, many private health insurance policies do cover or partially reimburse sports rehabilitation and aquatic therapy. We can provide receipts with treatment descriptions and documentation that you can submit to your insurer if necessary.

We recommend checking your policy's coverage for "sports rehabilitation" or "physiotherapy" before your first session as they are the most common terms that previous clients have claimed under.

We understand that chronic pain and recovery aren't linear—some days are harder than others. We ask for 24 hours' notice for cancellations when possible, but we're flexible and compassionate about genuine health flare-ups. Just let us know as soon as you can. Our goal is to support your recovery, not add stress.

If you have been in contact with someone who is unwell or have a contagious condition, please consider that Aspire has very vulnerable clients attending and you should consider staying away.

We aim to match you with one primary therapist who will get to know you, your condition, and your goals. Consistency helps us track your progress and build trust. Occasionally, scheduling or illness may mean you see another team member, but we provide a handover between therapists so your therapist is always up to speed.

You’ll never be expected to see a new therapist, and will always have right of refusal before seeing someone other than your primary therapist.

That's a really valid concern, and we hear it often. What makes us different is our combination approach: aquatic therapy (especially AquaStretch™ myofascial release) allows us to work on mobility and pain in ways that aren't possible on land because water reduces joint stress by up to 90%. We are then able complement that with evidence-based gym training for those interested to rebuild strength and function.

Many clients who've "failed" traditional physio find success here because water changes what's possible. We also treat you as a partner in recovery, not just a patient following orders.

We work with clients aged 5 to 90, and we specialize in complex cases—post-stroke, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, hypermobility disorders, and multi-trauma cases. If you're wondering whether you're "too far gone," the answer is almost certainly no.

Lynda has 28 years of experience in aquatic therapy and has seen incredible progress in people who thought recovery wasn't possible. Even small improvements in mobility, pain reduction, or independence can be life-changing. Let's have a conversation about what's realistic for your situation—you might be surprised.