Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy is physical therapy in a swimming pool to help regain function from an injury or illness. Aquatics is designed for individuals of all ages. It is prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Treatment includes:

evaluation
assessment
treatment planning
goal setting
revaluation

Aquatic therapy is designed to decrease joint stress, decrease need for muscle guarding secondary to increased support, improve functional mobility, improve ease of patient handling, and less need for back supports or bracing.

Treatment is performed by a registered licensed Physical Therapist with a lifeguard present. Treatment sessions vary from each individual and may be anywhere from 1 to 3 times per week, with each session lasting up to 60 minutes.

Benefits include:

Increased circulation
Increased blood supply
Increased heart rate
Increased metabolic rate
Muscle relaxation
Decreases spasticity
Improved flexibility
Decreased joint compression forces
Improved lung capacity
Decreased blood pooling in lower extremities
Improved strength
Decreased osteoporotic effects
Decreased sensitivity to nerve endings

If any of the conditions below apply to you then you are not a candidate for aquatic therapy:

Fever over 100 degrees F.
Uncontrolled epilepsy
Incontinence
Respiratory disease
Infectious disease/skin infections
Open wounds
Uncontrolled blood pressure
Severe cardiac complications
Acute cerebral hemorrhage
Excessive chlorine sensitivity
Repeated syncope
Absent cough reflex
Urinary tract infections

To see if aquatic therapy is appropriate for you, ask your healthcare provider. A doctor’s prescription is necessary and treatment is covered by most insurances.

For more information contact us at:

Rehab Services Department
315-713-5660