Arthritis / Post-Operative Clinic

Clinic coordinator: Guillaume “Jeff” Malan

The arthritis / post-operative clinic is a hydrotherapy clinic that is presented on the LC de Villiers Sport grounds in the indoor heated swimming pool located in the Sports Centre.

The arthritis / post-operative clinic is intended to improve or maintain:

• Quality of life
• Functional ability
• Muscular strength and endurance
• Joint range of motion
• Cardiovascular function

The aim is also to reduce symptoms of pain, correct muscular imbalances, and rehabilitate medical conditions.

The arthritis / post-operative clinic is aimed at patients with:

• Arthritic conditions and joint pain
• Limited mobility
• Frailness / weakness
• Recovering from surgery
• Orthopaedic injuries (e.g. shoulder, hip, back injuries etc.)
• Patients new to water aerobics
• “Prehabilitation” prior to surgery (To improve speed of recovery afterwards)
• Chronic pain conditions – to maintain basic activity levels needed for health

Due to the properties of water, such as buoyancy and resistance adaptation, exercising in heated water is beneficial in many ways. It allows for greater resistance specificity, pain free movement, and removes strain on joints and weight bearing structures. The water also provides a supportive medium to exercise in, which is often more comfortable than exercising on land (i.e. in a gym). It is also very refreshing. This makes it an ideal modality for both healthy individuals, as well as those with medical conditions.

The swimming pool is kept at a temperature of  30°C at a constant depth of 1.2 m - no swimming ability is necessary. Pool noodles are used during the classes. These are provided by the ISR. Members only need to bring a bathing suit and a towel for drying afterwards. A hydraulic chair which lowers and raises patients in and out of the pool is used for patients who struggle to get in and out the pool using the stairs.

To assure safe participation each individual undergoes a health and physical activity screening by a registered biokineticist at the ISR, before commencing with the classes. The screening comes at a once-off cost of R165 (claimable from medical aid). The monthly membership fee is R190, or R160 for UP personnel (not claimable from medical aid). Membership also allows use of the ISR Biokinetics gym.

Arthritis / post-operative clinic Timetable:

For more details, please contact us at (012) 420 6033 or e-mail us at jeff.malan@up.ac.za