The Hong Kong Association for the Disabled organised together with the Spa Research Group of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Society and the Hong Kong Fitness Federation the event "2026 World Aquatic Physiotherapy Day and Hong Kong Association for the Disabled Spa/Aquatic Sports Services Introduction" to present the recently completed spa pool and inclusive rehabilitation facilities to the sector.
During the event, Su Junlong, representative of the Hydrotherapy Research Group of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Society, and Huang Yongsen, executive director of the Hong Kong Fitness Association, were invited as keynote speakers. They shared the scientific evidence and applications of aquatic exercises and explained to the fitness industry how the public can become more aware of and enjoy the fun aspects of aquatic exercises.
Su Junlong stated that World Aquatic Physiotherapy Day was initiated and established three years ago by the International Organisation of Aquatic Physiotherapists, with the aim of raising public awareness of how aquatic physiotherapy can improve overall quality of life, for example, sleep quality.
Huang Yongsen hopes that the two fields of physiotherapy and fitness will collaborate more in the future, so that people who need help in the short, medium, and long term can be assisted through aquatic exercises.
One of the highlights of the event is a visit to the association's newly completed first dual-lift spa in Hong Kong. The spa has been designed with accessibility in mind and can be used by people of varying mobility levels, including the elderly and wheelchair users.
Registered physiotherapist Yan Yongshi emphasised that hydrotherapy can provide an effective and safe exercise therapy for arthritis, post-operative rehabilitation, chronic pain and nervous system disorders.
Mrs. Tan, a member of the regional support centre "Melting Point" (Southern Region), who has been a wheelchair user since childhood and suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, shared her experience, stating she loved walking in the water without having to use her hands. After the hydrotherapy treatment, her joints felt suppler and less painful, and she was able to sleep through the night.
Source: https://www.hkcd.com.hk/content_app/2026-03/22/content_8746124.html
