Aquatherapy GP referral scheme launches in Devon

Following the installation of a new state of the art Aquagym, the Flamingo Pool in Axminster launches its new ‘Aquatherapy’ GP referral scheme.

The Flamingo Pool’s pilot scheme currently offers 12 fully funded sessions to clients referred, under certain criteria, by their GP or an approved certified professional. Partly funded sessions will be offered upon completion of the first 12 sessions.

Each 30 minute session, led by one of the GP referral instructors and limited in participant numbers, will take into account each client’s specific needs and exercise programme. Water strength, movement and mobility sessions, Aquagym sessions and swimming will all be available on the scheme.

Capitalising on the natural properties of buoyancy and resistance, the Aquagym and mobility sessions create a zero impact, complete aerobic and strength training workout. This is particularly suitable for the elderly, disabled, non-swimmers, those overweight, in rehabilitation, with medical conditions or mobility challenges.

Six sessions per week are set aside specifically for those attending the Aquatherapy scheme. There are also Aquagym sessions for those that are not on the scheme.

The Aquagym also lends itself to regular gym users, over the age of 16, who would like a different type of challenge, but has the advantage that in water it is less likely to cause injury and muscle soreness. Water reduces the weight of a person by 90%, thus reducing the burden on stress bearing joints & muscles, particularly good for those with arthritic joints or those recovering from painful injuries. This enables those who would not otherwise exercise to exercise safely.

Six Flamingo Pool instructors have attended an industry recognised level 3 GP referral diploma course, putting them through their paces in level 3 Anatomy & Physiology, Nutrition, Exercise prescription & programming, Medical conditions, Comorbidities and their relation to exercise, written and practical assessments and case studies.

Steve Buxton, Centre Manager said “We are very excited to have launched the scheme and hope that the local community will benefit from it as much as we think they will.” “I am very proud of our GP referral instructors, they have studied very hard and are an asset to Flamingo Pool”.

The Aquagym is one of only a few in the country. Applications from hospitals, medical professionals and GP’s are accepted from Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset by contacting the GP referral co-ordinator on referral@flamingopool.co.uk or Tel. 01297 35800.

The Flamingo Pool, a self-funded charity boasts a 25m pool, the country’s first 6m2 hydrotherapy pool open to the public and one of the few Aquagym’s in the country. Embracing eco-friendly technology to lower their carbon footprint and save money, allows them to provide more activities at the pool.

Both pools are disinfected by Ultra-Violet (UV) light so that the level of chlorine in the pools is approximately a third of a normally disinfected pool.