Aquatic therapy: physiotherapy and rehabilitation in the pool
In water your body weighs less: moving is easier and less painful, so you can start exercising sooner and with more confidence. Sessions take place in the pool at Residenza Du Lac in Paradiso; they are one-to-one, last 30 minutes and are run by Claudia Pavlovic and Mattia Luoni.
Who it is for
Before you get in the water we always carry out an assessment, to check whether aquatic therapy suits you and what the goals are.
- After surgery Hip or knee replacement, ligament reconstruction, after a fracture: once the wound has healed and your surgeon agrees.
- Knee and hip osteoarthritis Moving and getting stronger with less load on your joints.
- Back pain Mobility and strength exercises while pain on land is still very limiting.
- Balance and older adults Training balance and confidence, with the water supporting you and protecting you from falls.
- Sport and return to training Pool running and sport-specific work in the early stages after an injury.
How we work
- 01 Assessment at the practice We listen to your story, assess how you move and decide together whether and how to start in the water.
- 02 In the water, one to one Individual 30-minute sessions, with your physiotherapist always by your side.
- 03 From water to land As you improve, we move the exercises to the gym to build strength and load tolerance.
- 04 Independence You leave with a programme to continue on your own, in the pool or in the gym.
Three myths
Sources: Bartels et al., Cochrane Review, 2016 · Shi et al., American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 2018
When aquatic therapy is not suitable
We discuss it before starting. It is usually postponed if you have:
- wounds that have not yet healed, or dressings
- an active infection, fever or a contagious skin condition
- uncontrolled incontinence
- heart or breathing problems that are not stable
- uncontrolled epilepsy
If in doubt, we check with your doctor.
Frequently asked questions about aquatic therapy
Content by Claudia Pavlovic and Mattia Luoni, physiotherapists · Updated October 2026
Is aquatic therapy covered by health insurance?
Yes, if prescribed by a doctor: with a prescription it is covered by basic health insurance, minus your deductible and co-payment.
Do I need to be able to swim?
No. We work with support and floating aids, and your physiotherapist is always in the water or at the poolside with you.
How long is a session?
30 minutes, one to one. We agree the number of sessions together after the assessment.
Where is the pool?
At Residenza Du Lac in Paradiso, which we work with. Sessions are during practice hours, by appointment.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, pool sandals and a towel, plus your medical prescription at the first session.
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Want to start in the water? Let's talk.
Write to us on WhatsApp: we will get back to you to find a day and time together.
All we need to book is your name and availability: we discuss your health in person.