 Lochaber Hydrotherapy
The Project
The object of the project is to build a Hydrotherapy Pool with Sports Injury Clinic, to relieve pain and suffering of Lochaber residents and visitors alike who need this service. Mothers with toddlers can watch their children learn to swim in a safe, warm environment. In Lochaber where we are never far from water, everyone should learn to swim.
It could save a life!
The site
The site is on the east side of Fort William Leisure Centre and the facility will benefit from the expertise of Leisure Centre personnel. We have acquired the site on a 50- year lease from Highland Council with the support of the local Area Committee. We have the planning permission with building warrant.
The treatment
Hydrotherapy is a gentle therapeutic treatment. It takes place in restful surroundings and allows exercise in a non- invasive manner. Specific programmes of exercise are tailored to individual need. It takes place in water of 96-98 degrees F. Because the water temperature is raised like a warm bath muscles relax. Because of the buoyancy of water, exercise is possible with reduced risk of stress or further damage to joints and muscles. This is particularly beneficial after trauma or surgery, allowing people to achieve longer periods of pain free exercise.
The benefits
A Hydrotherapy Pool has the potential to transform lives! Being able to get treatment nearer to home without a long journey and disruption to family life is a real bonus. It will also save the NHS the cost of a Hospital bed.
Architects Impression of Pool Building
Who will benefit?
The facility can be used by: mothers and toddlers, having fun learning to swim; sports groups, for fitness training; those seeking rehabilitation after injury, or post-operative rehabilitation, for instance, following hip or joint replacement, and by those with many medical conditions such as head injuries, Parkinson's disease, rheumatic conditions, arthritis, osteo-arthritis, osteoporosis, frozen shoulder, back pain, fibromyalgia and ankylosing spondolitis. Exercise in water strengthens bones, improves bone-density, strengthens and relaxes muscles and slows down deterioration. The pool can also be used by those with Autism, of which we have the highest incidence in the Highlands, as well as by the elderly, to keep fit.
A major psychological benefit of a Hydrotherapy Pool lies in relating essential exercise to a pleasant recreation which not only increases enjoyment, and the likelihood of continuing with a programme of ongoing exercise, encouraging integration with able-bodied people, in public Swimming Pools.
Results
The Project will address the social isolation perceived by people with disability and their carers and families.
In the Highlands people with disability are isolated by their conditions and then there is geographical isolation, many people living with poor transport systems, within remote and rural society. This has a major impact on the quality of life of the user's of this gentle therapy. Reducing pain and increasing mobility brings qualitative benefits such as social inclusion to the whole community.
Volunteering
For volunteers and carers this will provide personal development opportunities in administration, interpersonal skills, and fund-raising. Lochaber has numerous successful community companies, and the Hydrotherapy Project will strengthen this network of support. The whole community will derive a tremendous benefit from this project.
Everyone knows or is related to someone who needs this service.
Together we can make a difference. Please help us, to help others!
Make a Donation:
contact Mr Mark McCann JP (Chairman of Lochaber Hydrotherapy) 01397 704858
S.F.F Records Limited – Company No. 261272
S.F.F. RECORDS was established in December 2003 by Billy McIsaac to raise funds
for Lochaber Hydrotherapy, a charity that is building a Hydrotherapy Pool
in Fort William.
© Copyright 2006 S.F.F.
Records. All rights reserved.
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