Aquatic Therapy Program

Patients range from highly trained athletes to the more sedentary; from pediatric to geriatric. Research has shown that physical therapy treatment which includes aquatic physical therapy is more effective and can lead to a more rapid recovery.

Aquatic Physical Therapy is an effective treatment option for a range of spine and orthopedic conditions.

Patients range from highly trained athletes to the more sedentary; from pediatric to geriatric. Research has shown that physical therapy treatment which includes aquatic physical therapy is more effective and can lead to a more rapid recovery.

The properties of water make rehab more comfortable, safer, and more beneficial:

  • Hydrostatic Pressure decreases swelling, aids in tissue healing, and improves proprioception
  • Buoyancy decreases stress on joints, provides support, and decreases weight-bearing
  • Warm water decreases pain and spasm, promotes relaxation, and improves compliance
  • Vasodilation improves tissue healing
  • Viscosity creates multidirectional resistance, thereby enhancing strengthening
  • Protection from injury or falls

How Can Aquatic Therapy Help?

ORTHOPEDIC CONDITIONS

Wide variety of upper or lower extremity programs forincreased range of motion, strength, and endurance. Hydrostatic pressure improves tissue healing; buoyancy minimizes gravity to allow low impact exercise; viscosity improves strength without irritating healing tissues.

  • Sprains/Strains
  • Muscle, Tendon, or
  • Ligament injuries
  • Sports Injuries
  • Fractures
  • General
  • Weakness/Deconditioning

SPINE CONDITIONS

Buoyancy decompresses the spine and relieves stress on sore joints and muscles; hydrostatic pressure improves tissue healing; thermal effects decrease pain and spasm; viscosity improves core stability and strength.

  • Back strains
  • Compression Fractures/Osteoporosis
  • Stenosis
  • Sciatica
  • Pregnancy-related Back Pain

ARTHRITIS/DEGENERATIVE CONDITIONS

Joint decompression (buoyancy) results in less pain during ROM and strengthening; thermal effects decrease pain and spasm; hydrostatic pressure decreases inflammation.

  • DJD/DDD
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Fibromyalgia/Chronic Pain – Buoyancy improves aerobic exercise tolerance; thermal effects decrease pain, promote relaxation; viscosity increases strength; endorphins are released.

Obesity – Buoyancy decreases weightbearing and stress on joints which provides support; viscosity improves tone and strength thereby increasing metabolism.

Balance/Gait Abnormalities – Hydrostatic pressure improves balance and proprioception; buoyancy decreases weight-bearing, protects from falls; confidence is improved

  • Dedicated aquatic center built specifically for aquatic therapy (not a public pool or a makeshift pool)
  • Depths from 3½ to 6 ft to accommodate any patient
  • Wide range of equipment to provide in-water resistance (or assistance)
  • Grab bars around entire perimeter of pool
  • Easy double railing entry and shallow steps
  • High-tech Ultra Violet sanitation system
  • Private changing rooms all equipped with showers
  • Water temp is 88 – 90° (ideal for aquatic therapy)
  • Highly trained PT’s with extensive experience in aquatic rehabilitation of spine, orthopedic, and neurological conditions
  • Clinics with aquatic facilities onsite (crucial for a land combination program)
  • Varying pool depths (vital for an effective program)
  • Water temperature (should be at least 10 degrees warmer than a typical public pool)
  • Grab bars around perimeter of the pool (exercise specific)
  • Licensed professionals who are Certified in Aquatic Physical Therapy