Rheumatology Physiotherapy / Hydrotherapy

Level 1
Torbay Hospital
Lowes Bridge
Torquay TQ2 7AA

Tel: 01803 655345

Opening times:

  • Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm
  • Friday, 9am to 12:30pm

As part of our Rheumatology Physiotherapy service, some patients are referred to Rheumatology Outpatients, and some are referred to Hydrotherapy. Although the same physiotherapy staff provide both services, most rheumatology patients do not require hydrotherapy.

Rheumatology Outpatients

We offer specialist outpatient physiotherapy for rheumatology patients and work closely with the other healthcare professionals who make up the rheumatology team. We see patients with a wide range of rheumatological conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other inflammatory conditions, soft tissue disorders and musculoskeletal disorders causing widespread movement problems or pain.

Physiotherapists form part of the rheumatology team at clinics in a variety of locations within Torbay Hospital, including the AHP (Allied Health Professions) assessment clinic and the ankylosing spondylitis clinic. We work with rheumatology patients to help them overcome the challenges arising from their health problem and to develop individual exercise programmes. We undertake detailed assessments of patients’ health problems and regularly review progress to ensure patients are progressing towards their goals.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a form of exercise which takes place in our department and is different to our outpatient work. Before we offer hydrotherapy we discuss it in detail with patients to agree the pool exercise programme. We encourage people who are anxious about going into our pool to attend in advance for their assessment so that treatment options can be fully discussed and explained. We are also happy to accept enquiries by phone if there are any concerns.

Exercise and information links