Hydrotherapy can be used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, orthopedic conditions, neurological conditions, muscle, ligament, and other soft tissue injuries. It can also help with general convalescence and fitness.

Extensive work in human physiotherapy has demonstrated that a suitably monitored course of hydrotherapy acts by encouraging a full range of joint motion in reduced weight-bearing conditions, thus improving muscle tone and promoting tissue repair, without imposing undue stress on damaged tissues.