Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy is an alternative treatment for PT (Physical Therapy) patients who are unable to tolerate weight bearing exercises. With aquatic therapy, which also may be referred to as hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercise is carried out in a heated poolthat is between 90 to 94 degrees (Fahrenheit). The buoyancy of the water environment eliminates physical impact to the body, resulting in less physical pain and less physical strain on patients while exercising. The reduced impact of water exercise is especially beneficial for the recovery of joint, hip and knee surgery patients, as well as for patients with various types of physical disabilities and those who are obese.

Aquatic therapy also provides PT patients with many other important benefits, such as improved blood circulation, increased muscle tone and reduced swelling in the ankles and feet, which can lead to an increased range of motion in many cases. Nevertheless, even with the benefits that aquatic therapy offers, as with other types of exercise, patients with certain conditions are not able to participate, such as those with cardiac disease or bladder/bowel incontinence. Water therapy should also be avoided whenever a patient has a fever or an infection.

An aquatic therapy treatment program will include a variety of water exercises, which will vary and be adjusted based on the patient’s condition, specific needs and progress. Some of the most common water exercises are variations on their land based counterparts, such as water walking or jogging, push-ups, arm raises, forward lunges, side lunges and standing knee lifts. Other water exercises that may be included in an aquatic therapy treatment program include hip kicking at the pool wall, sidestepping and simulated bicycling. In addition, aquatic therapy treatment programs may also incorporate exercise equipment such as webbed water gloves, Styrofoam weights, inflated balls, or kickboards for increased resistance.

Aquatic therapy may be used by physical therapists to treat a wide range of conditions, including: arthritis, back injuries, balance deficits, fibromyalgia, limited range of motion, neurological multiple sclerosis, obesity, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, orthopedic injuries, Parkinson's disease, poor motor coordination, rheumatoid arthritis, sensory disorders, chronic muscle pain and muscle weakness. Aquatic therapy is also a common treatment for patients who are recovering from a stroke.

Please contact us if you would like more information about Aquatic Therapy.