Why Aquatic Therapy?

 

Water’s properties of buoyancy, viscosity and hydrostatic pressure provide a unique environment fortherapy. Buoyancy counteracts the force of gravity in water, thereby decreasing the effect ofweight bearing on the injured body part and allowing for strengthening exercises to be per- formedwithout further injury and pain. Viscosity of water offers resistance against the patient’smovements for strength work, which are monitored by the therapist to match the patient’s toler-ance. Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure of the water exerted on the patient which, assists inreducing edema or swelling.

 

Benefits include:

• Beginning treatment sooner

• Reducing inflammation

• Reducing compressive forces on joints

• Provides support

• Promotes relaxation

• Decreases muscle guarding and spasm

• Reduces pain

• Improves flexibility and range of motion

 

Aquatic Therapy Services:

• Acute lumbar sprain/strain

• Pre-/Post- surgical

• Lower extremity fractures or patients with limited weight bearing

• Range of motion limitations

• Unstable joints

• Fibromyalgia

• Osteoarthritis

 

Treatment Progression:

Evaluation

Prior to initiating aquatic therapy, each patient receives a full evaluation of their status by alicensed physical therapist to determine the best care for their situation. A program is developedto meet these needs.

 

Home Excerise Program

Although treatment begins in the aquatic environment, it is important to include activity outsidethe water. Our licensed professionals will guide you in a home exercise program that is safe foryour particular situation.