Balneotherapy: rehabilitation in the water in Geneva
For your rehabilitation in the pool, our teams welcome you to CARE Charmilles and , starting in April 2026, to CARE Belle-Terre.
Why balneotherapy?
Balneotherapy is a gentle rehabilitation therapy. Thanks to the support of water, the pressure exerted on the joints is reduced.
It is often recommended in rheumatologyto relieve pain in bones, muscles, ligaments and joints.
It is also suitable for the treatment of certain chronic illnesses, as well as following surgery or hospitalization. It enables you to gently resume physical activity.
Your doctor may prescribe balneotherapy sessions as part of your rehabilitation.
How do the sessions work?
Sessions are held in groups of up to 4people.
The session lasts around 30 minutes of exercise and 10 minutes of relaxation. The duration varies according to patients' abilities.
Each patient is given exercises adapted to his or her pathology and objectives. The physical activity teacher adjusts the treatment according to the patient's progress and daily condition.
You don't need to know how to swim, but you do need to be comfortable in the water.
What are the contraindications to balneotherapy?
The following are the non-negotiable exclusion criteria for balneotherapy:
- Complete incontinence or stress incontinence
- Unhealed or healing wounds
- Mycosis or local infection
- Unregulated epilepsy
- Recent phlebitis
What are the benefits of balneotherapy?
Balneotherapy allows you to
- Relieving muscle and joint pain: Exercising in the pool can help relax muscles, relieve tension, and reduce joint pain.
- Balance and Coordination Exercises
The aquatic environment, which is both safe and stimulating, is ideal for exercises designed to restore balance and coordination. These abilities are often affected by injuries or certain medical conditions, so taking them into account is essential for a full recovery. - Improving blood circulation: Hydrotherapy promotes better circulation, which can help oxygenate tissues and speed up recovery from injuries.
- Improve mobility and flexibility: Exercises performed in water provide gentle resistance while reducing the impact on the joints, thereby promoting improved mobility and flexibility. Buoyancy reduces the body’s perceived weight by up to 90%. This decreases the pressure on joints and muscles, allowing for movement with less pain. This benefit is particularly helpful for people with conditions such as osteoarthritis or those recovering from surgery.
- Rehabilitation After Injuries or Surgery: Balneotherapy is often used as a complementary treatment to rehabilitation to promote effective recovery after injuries or surgeries.
How do the sessions work?
Sessions are held in groups of up to 4people.
The session lasts around 30 minutes of exercise and 10 minutes of relaxation. The duration varies according to patients' abilities.
Each patient is given exercises adapted to his or her pathology and objectives. The physical activity teacher adjusts the treatment according to the patient's progress and daily condition.
You don't need to know how to swim, but you do need to be comfortable in the water.
Contact us
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about your rehabilitation treatments.
We'd be delighted to hear from you.