Free Hydrotherapy for Malta’s Disability Community
Imagine, for a moment, the relief that washes over Maria, a 55-year-old Maltese woman living with multiple sclerosis, as she steps into the warm, soothing waters of a hydrotherapy pool. The weight of her condition seems to lift, her muscles relax, and she finds a brief respite from her daily struggles. Now, thanks to a recent initiative, this experience is set to become a regular reality for many like Maria, as the government rolls out free hydrotherapy sessions for disability card holders.
A Dip into Relief: Free Hydrotherapy for Disability Card Holders
Malta’s disability community is set to benefit from a new government scheme that offers free hydrotherapy sessions to card holders. This initiative, launched under the Ministry for Inclusion and Social Wellbeing, aims to improve the quality of life for those living with disabilities by providing access to therapeutic waters found in various locations across the islands.
What is Hydrotherapy and How Does it Help?
Hydrotherapy, or water therapy, is a treatment method that uses the properties of water, such as buoyancy, resistance, and heat, to help patients improve their physical and mental wellbeing. For those living with disabilities, it offers a low-impact, gentle form of exercise that can help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall mood.
Dr. Joseph Cuschieri, a local physiotherapist with over two decades of experience, explains, “Hydrotherapy is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic pain, neurological conditions, and musculoskeletal disorders. The warmth and buoyancy of the water allow for a wider range of motion and reduced joint stress, making it an ideal form of therapy for those with mobility challenges.”
Where and When Can Sessions Be Had?
The free hydrotherapy sessions will be held at various public swimming pools across Malta and Gozo, including the National Pool in Ta’ Xbiex, the Tal-Qroqq Sports Complex in Msida, and the San Ġwann Sports Complex. Sessions will be held throughout the week, with specific timings allocated for disability card holders to ensure accessibility and comfort.
the scheme will also provide transportation services to and from the pools for those who require assistance, ensuring that geographical barriers do not hinder participation. “We want to make sure that everyone who could benefit from these sessions has the opportunity to do so,” says Clifton Grima, the Parliamentary Secretary for Youths, Sports and Voluntary Organisations.
To book a session, disability card holders can contact the Malta Sports Council on 2553 5000 or via email at info@maltasportscouncil.org. The council will then assist in scheduling appointments and arranging transportation, if necessary.
A Step Towards Inclusion and Wellbeing
This initiative is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusion and improve the quality of life for those living with disabilities. Minister for Inclusion and Social Wellbeing, Michael Falzon, emphasizes the importance of such schemes, stating, “We want to ensure that everyone in Malta has access to the services and support they need to lead fulfilling, independent lives. This hydrotherapy scheme is a testament to our commitment to achieving this goal.”
For Maria, the news of free hydrotherapy sessions has brought a sense of hope and relief. “I’ve always known that water could help ease my pain, but the cost of private sessions was just too much. Now, with this new scheme, I finally have the chance to improve my health and wellbeing. I can’t wait to dive in,” she says with a smile.
