How hydrotherapy is supporting Carol's recovery

In March, Carol suffered a stroke that dramatically changed her life. She was initially admitted to James Cook Hospital before being transferred to Durham and later Bishop Auckland Hospital, where she spent ten weeks recovering. At one stage, Carol was given only a 75% chance of survival. She required a stent in her neck, was unable to speak or move, needed a hoist for transfers, and was tube-fed. Medical professionals warned that she might never walk again.

Carol (to the left) and Kathleen in the hydrotherapy pool at the Pioneering Care Centre in Newton Aycliffe.

Before the stroke, Carol worked in a care home. Looking back, she remembers struggling with certain tasks and experiencing difficulty speaking on the day of her stroke. Later that day, she collapsed and was rushed to hospital.

Since being discharged, Carol has worked tirelessly on her rehabilitation. With determination and support from her family and friends, she gradually regained strength and mobility. She now uses a walking stick and is able to complete a little walk around her garden and local area.

Carol was introduced to hydrotherapy by her friend Kathleen, who regularly attends hydrotherapy sessions at the Pioneering Care Centre while supporting another individual. Having never tried hydrotherapy before, Carol decided to give it a go as part of her ongoing recovery.

Carol said: “After just three weeks of hydrotherapy sessions I’ve already noticed improvements. Because of the stroke my arm had become very tight and held close to my body.

“Through doing exercises with Kathleen in the hydrotherapy pool, I have already gained greater movement and flexibility. I can now fasten the Velcro on my shoes after a session, something that had previously been incredibly difficult.”

Kathleen has witnessed these changes first-hand. She explained that they initially focused on stretching and strengthening.

Kathleen said: “Week by week, Carol's range of movement has improved, allowing her arm to sit in a more natural position and move more freely.

“I help Carol's arm by using the pool's supportive environment and railings – which are fantastic and very accessible.

“I have also noticed benefits myself, I have rheumatoid arthritis and mental health challenges, and the benefits from attending the hydrotherapy pool has such a positive impact on both my physical and emotional wellbeing.”

Beyond the physical benefits, Carol says hydrotherapy also has positive impacts on her mental wellbeing. While she continues to receive physiotherapy and speech and language support at home, attending the pool gives her something to look forward to each week.

Carol said: “The warm water, relaxing jets and welcoming environment has also helped to reduce anxiety and provide a welcome break from the challenges of recovery.

“The accessibility of the pool and the friendliness of the staff is just so supportive. I cannot recommend hydrotherapy enough to others recovering from a stroke or living with mobility challenges.”

PCP would like to thank Carol and Kathleen for their time, we are delighted to see the progress Carol has made in such a short space of time and are proud to be supporting her recovery journey. Her determination, resilience and positive attitude have been truly inspiring.

We wish Carol continued success in achieving her goals and look forward to seeing her progress in the months ahead, and we hope Kathleen continues to reap all the benefits of hydrotherapy, and thank you for helping others out in their times of need.

To book and find out times please visit https://www.pcp.uk.net/booking. Or you can call 01325 321234 or visit the Pioneering Care Centre in person to book also. To book even quicker you can download the Vagaro app from the Google Play Store or the App Store.