Aquatic Therapy
The therapeutic use of
water is one of the oldest forms of treatment for musculoskeletal and
rheumatic conditions. The selective use of water therapy techniques can
do much to expedite, augment, and advance patient rehabilitation.
Through aquatic rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapy can
begin sooner and there is a 40-50 percent reduction in treatment time.
There are a
multitude of benefits offered by water therapy which include:
Increase range of motion and prevent loss of motion
Through unique water properties – like buoyancy, pressure and the warm
temperature – mobility of the joints and muscle tone increase. Gentle
stretching is much more comfortable and effective in a pool.
Increase muscle strength
Water is 600-700 times more resistant than air.
While the buoyancy of water can assist and support a motion, it also
provides resistance in every direction allowing total body
reconditioning.
Pain reduction
Warm water immersion supports an injured joint,
decreases the effects of gravity, increases circulation, decreases
edema, and enhances relaxation. These benefits, along with the sensory
bombardments of the skin receptors, all help increase patient comfort
during aquatic therapy.
Improve cardiovascular
endurance
The water provides an excellent medium
for incorporating a variety of aerobic exercises. Walking in water burns
twice the calories per minute than a treadmill.
Early ambulation for patients
with weight-bearing restrictions
A person standing in waist high water is
bearing around 50 percent of his/her weight; in chest high water, about
30 percent; and in neck high water, 10 percent. Water allows earlier
treatment of patients with weight bearing restrictions, resulting in
prompt activity and quick recovery.
Improve trunk stability and
postural alignment
Maintaining upright posture in water targets the
trunk and works the muscles as the patient adjusts to water currents.
This factor, coupled with a variety of pool treatment techniques to
strengthen abdominals, can improve posture and trunk stability.
Coordination and balance
Water allows incorporation of coordination and balance activities.
Mid-line and head-righting skills can be addressed, as well as
perceptual and spatial awareness. Children with special needs, like
sensory integration dysfunction and developmental delays, as well as
adults suffering from strokes or brain injuries, are good candidates for
these techniques. Since water is so enabling and therapeutic, gains are
readily achieved. This encourages and stimulates individuals to achieve
their rehabilitation potential.
Aquatic rehabilitation is integral to physical and occupational
therapy
The pool measures 20'X40' with depths from 3' to 6' and is
therapeutically heated between 88-92 degrees. Therapy is provided by
licensed therapists trained in aquatic rehabilitation. Personnel
certified in Emergency Water Safety and CPR are present during all
treatment sessions.
Aquatic rehabilitation requires a prescription from a
physician but is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance
companies.
In conjunction to aquatic rehabilitation, the
Center sponsors community arthritis exercise classes. The classes are
conducted in a group setting led by an instructor certified by the
American Arthritis Foundation. A physician's signed letter of medical
release is required to participate.
The healing power of water is an ideal therapeutic tool. The Aquatic Center urges you to ask your doctor if this warm water setting is right for you.
Please view our aquatic commercial here.
