Aquatic Physical Therapy is appropriate for clients recovering from sport or joint injury, trauma, spinal disease, surgery, cerebral vascular accident (stroke), and clients with mobility limitations created by spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, post polio syndrome, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, fibromyalgia. Our program incorporates therapy goals specific to each individual's needs and disability. We integrate aquatic physical therapy into a comprehensive treatment approach that transitions to land-based rehab or an aquatic wellness program.
Benefits of Aquatic Therapy
Because of the accommodating, variable, multi-directional resistance and buoyancy of the water, following are some of the benefits a patient may gain with Aquatic Therapy:
• Early movement for the post injury/surgery patient particularly for those PWB or NWB patients.
• Increased range of motion often not possible on land.
• Conditioning for specific injuries
• Dynamic stabilization for patients with back pain.
• Increased strength and function without compromising back or joint dysfunction.
Benefits of Water
• Improved circulation
• Increased joint flexibility
• Improved muscular strength
• Increased endurance
• Improved balance & coordination
• Stress reduction
• Improved body awareness and posture
• Positive self-image
• Improved mobility
• Transition to function on land
Indications
• Pain
• Muscle Spasm
• Edema
• Reduced weight bearing tolerance
• Decreased range of motion
• Altered gait pattern
• Intolerance to land based therapy
• Impaired mobility, strength and endurance
Hydraulic Lift
For those with disabilities that make it very difficult to walk into the pool, we have a hydraulic lift that is demonstrated in the photographs below.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to swim?
Swimming is not a requirement of Aquatic Physical Therapy. Our staff is trained in water safety and can help you feel safe and comfortable in the water.
Do I have to get my hair wet?
No! Unlike traditional swimming-oriented workouts, many of the techniques we use require you to be immersed only chest deep in the water.
How is water exercise different from land exercise?
Exercising in water allows increased freedom of movement with less pain. Our goals will include progression to an aquatic wellness program or a land-based exercise program.