Aquatic Physical Therapy
Several properties of water are integral to the effectiveness of aquatic therapy:
Buoyancy: a person submerged to the neck weighs 1/10th of their regular body weight, allowing for increased mobility and reducing joint stress
Hydro-static pressure: This reduces the swelling of joints and tissues, and is particularly important for minimizing the pain of chronic joint or muscle conditions from recent injuries
Water surface tension – This creates resistance for limbs partially submerged, allowing the patient to gradually strengthen weak muscles
Resistance – Water increases resistance against movement by 600 - 700 times that of air, increasing the potential for muscle strengthening.
Aquatic therapists are Physical Therapists with special post-degree training in the unique properties of aquatic therapy.
Aquatic therapy is especially effective for patients after surgery or injury because it allows for earlier weight-bearing activities which lead to less pain and a faster recovery.
Aquatic therapist work 1-on-1 with clients to provide a rehabilitation program individualized for:
Balance problems
- Multiple sclerosis – To aid patients in maintaining and possibly improving their strength and muscle control
- Post brain attack (stroke) care – To help patients regain basic life skills and lost function
- Prolonged immobilization – To assist patients in relearning balance and control after a prolonged period of inactivity or immobilization
Post surgical rehabilitation
- Post hip fracture – Allows patients to work on building and strengthening techniques in a controlled weight environment
- Post knee injury surgery – Reduces swelling and is ideal for working on range of motion exercises
- Post shoulder surgery – Provides resistance for building strength and range of motion
- Post spine surgery – Allows patients to build up to full weight-bearing exercises by providing an environment where they experience only 10% of their actual body weight
Fibromyalgia/arthritis
- Exercise program – A controlled environment helps alleviate the constant, chronic pain associated with this condition and encourages activity to counter degeneration caused by inactivity
General deconditioning
- Assists patients in regaining strength in an environment where body weight is minimized as gravity is countered by the person’s buoyancy
