Aquatic Physical Therapy

Aquatic Physical Therapy consists of an exercise program that is completed in the water and is beneficial for a variety of medical conditions from arthritis to fibromyalgia.
While underwater, buoyancy assists in supporting the weight of the patient. This decreases the amount of weight bearing and stress placed on the joints. By decreasing the amount of joint stress, it is easier and less painful to perform exercises which can be extremely beneficial for patients with arthritis or who are overweight.
The viscosity of water provides an excellent source of resistance that can be easily incorporated into an aquatic therapy exercise program. This resistance allows for muscle strengthening without the need of weights. Using resistance coupled with the water’s buoyancy allows a person to strengthen muscle groups with decreased joint stress that cannot be experienced on land.
The warm water experience during aquatic therapy assists in relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow to injured areas. Patients with muscle spasms, back pain, and fibromyalgia find this aspect of aquatic therapy especially therapeutic.
Aquatic therapy is not for everyone. People who have fevers, infections, or bowel/bladder incontinence are not candidates for aquatic physical therapy. Always discuss this with your therapist before beginning an aquatic therapy program.