Hydrotherapy Helps - me to be a Dad again
30 January 2020
Mark's story
Hydrotherapy has changed my life and made it possible for me to be a Dad to my two girls again. Simple things like pushing them on the swings, or enjoying a day at the beach which weren't possible before and now bring joy to my daily life.
My back pain story
"From a young age I've always worked in very physical jobs and from a young age I suffered with lower back pain. The pain got worse over the years and I managed with painkillers and physio. In 2017 my back finally gave out on me when my L4 and L5 discs herniated severely and left me with Cauda Equina which is a major problem. I was taken by ambulance to Southampton Hospital for decompression surgery and a MicroDisectomy on my vertabrae"
"6 months later I was undergoing physiotherapy and having epidurals to help with the intense pain I was having. I was unable to work, which affected my self esteem, and I struggled to bend down and lift my two young daughters."
My recovery
"I started hydrotherapy at Poole hospital, beginning with one session a week and then increasing to two sessions per week. I always felt the sessions at the pool really helped me, and it was something I actually enjoyed. Being in the water helped my mental well being as well as feeling better physically. Within a few months I was back at work"
"Unfortunately, the same back problem recurred and I was told that spinal surgery was the only real fix. During this time I also suffered with major issues with my Thyroid. The combination of all of these things affected my mental health and I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder and I underwent counselling and mindfulness sessions. Throughout this time my back pain continued and it was clear that surgery was my only option"
"In January 2019 I underwent an extremely painful multi-level spinal fusion where the offending discs were removed and titanium spacers, cages, rods and screws inserted to hold me all together! The surgery was a success and has helped to greatly reduce the pain I feel on a day-to-day basis."
Hydrotherapy can help with back pain for a number of reasons.
Firstly, the water provides hydrostatic pressure which reduces the stress on your body. This can lessen the pressure on your back and help to relieve the pain caused by back pain.
The water will support your back whilst you exercise, allowing you to strengthen the muscles around the injury. This can, in turn, help to reduce long term pain.
The warm water also increases your circulation which can also help to reduce pain.
My life now
"Hydrotherapy has helped me regain so much in my life, the biggest being physically able to enjoy being a Dad to my two young daughters again. I can push them on the swings and enjoy an afternoon at the park or beach without being in constant pain. I can help them ride their bikes and scooters and am able to bend down and lift them if they trip or fall. These small things have given me the sense of pride back being a father."
"I'm very proud to be a part of Stourview Hydrotherapy Pool, offering something special to the small community we live in. I've always loved working in the local area and now feel like I'm giving something back, offering something to those who are going through similar recoveries to my own. Being able to offer someone a little bit of relief, or making them smile means I go home every evening a happy man!"
Hydro Helps
"...me stand at my sister's wedding"
Let our expert team guide you through the benefits of hydrotherapy and find the session that's right for you. We can even create a personal hydrotherapy plan with exercises tailored just for you.
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