Aquatic Physiotherapy · North Geelong
Individual hydrotherapy programs, designed and supervised by physiotherapists, in the warm and fully accessible pool at the Geelong Hydrotherapy Centre.
About us
For more than 20 years, Absolute Hydrotherapy has provided physiotherapist-led aquatic therapy at the Geelong Hydrotherapy Centre in North Geelong. Every client follows their own individual program, built around their condition, goals and pace — whether that's recovery, rehabilitation, or simply staying active and mobile.
Who it's for
After surgery or a hospital stay. Following a work or road injury. Managing a long-term condition. Or simply to stay strong, mobile and active. Hydrotherapy is commonly used for:
Sessions are shared with others in the pool, but everyone works through their own program at their own pace — some clients are just starting out, and many have been coming for years.
Why warm water
Hydrotherapy uses the properties of water — warmth, buoyancy and gentle resistance — to make exercise more comfortable and more achievable.
Buoyancy supports your body weight, easing pressure on painful joints and allowing comfortable, early movement.
The gentle resistance of water helps rebuild strength, balance and fitness at a safe, controlled pace.
Warmth relaxes muscles, improves circulation and reduces pain, supporting both rehabilitation and comfort.
Your visit
A visit follows the same simple pattern each time.
Check in at reception in the foyer. Lockers are available for valuables.
Get changed, then have a warm shower before the pool. There are hand rails throughout, and chairs if you need to sit.
Take the steps or the ramp — both have hand rails — or use the hoist or a pool wheelchair if that suits you better.
Your physiotherapist is in attendance the whole time. You go at your own pace, and you can tell them how you're feeling at any point.
Warm shower, dry your feet well, then rest in the foyer for 10–15 minutes and have a drink of water — there are fountains in the centre.
Getting in and out
Our programs run at the Geelong Hydrotherapy Centre in McKellar — a large, purpose-built hydrotherapy pool designed for accessibility. However you get around, there's a safe way into the water.
Safe, supported entry for those who can't manage the steps or ramp.
Available on site, with hand rails on both the steps and the ramp.
Comfortably heated throughout to relax muscles and ease pain.
Change rooms, lockers, showers, walking frames and drinking fountains.
We hire the Geelong Hydrotherapy Centre for our sessions, so the pool is reserved for our clients while programs run.
Ways to attend
Whether hydrotherapy is new to you or already part of your routine, there are two ways to attend.
One-on-one care with a physiotherapist — the usual starting point, and the right fit for treatment and rehabilitation.
For clients who have been assessed by a physiotherapist and are independent with their program — a way to keep hydrotherapy in your routine after formal treatment ends.
Costs & claiming
Our current private rates are below — concession rates apply to eligible pension and concession card holders. Many clients claim some or all of the cost back.
| Service | Standard | Concession |
|---|---|---|
| Initial land assessmentItem 500 | $100 | $95 |
| Subsequent land consultationItem 505 | $95 | $90 |
| Hydrotherapy session — 15 minutes or moreItem 505 | $95 | $90 |
| Group hydrotherapy — under 15 minutesItem 505 | $65 | $65 |
| Self-help group aquatic physioItem 560 | $20 | $20 |
Fees are current from 1 July 2026 and may change — please confirm when booking. If you're attending under a funding scheme, billing is handled differently — ask us when you book. Self-help hydrotherapy is available to clients who have been assessed by a physiotherapist and are independent with their program.
Common questions
No — anyone can contact us directly to make an appointment. If you're attending under WorkCover, TAC, DVA or a Medicare care plan, bring the relevant referral or claim details with you.
New clients begin with a land-based assessment. Your physiotherapist will discuss your history and goals, assess your movement, and design a program for you before you enter the pool.
Bathers, a towel, thongs or suitable footwear, your completed registration form, and any important medications for poolside. Full details are on our patient information page.
We are registered providers for WorkCover, TAC, DVA and Medicare (CDM), and sessions are claimable through most private health funds with physiotherapy extras. Self-managed NDIS participants can pay privately and claim the cost back through their plan.
Yes. The centre has a pool hoist for safe, supported entry and exit, pool wheelchairs on site, and hand rails on both the steps and the ramp.
A $20 session for clients who have been assessed by a physiotherapist and are independent with their program — you exercise in the pool during our sessions at your own pace, with a physiotherapist present.
Plan your visit
Contact Tanya by phone, text or email for appointments, referrals or any questions.
