What is Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy simply refers to physical therapy performed in the water! Water has several distinct properties that create a very beneficial environment for rehabilitation, relaxation, and strengthening. Therapists utilize the properties of water to prescribe specific exercises/activities for optimal healing. There are many conditions that could benefit from aquatic therapy including:

• Arthritis
• Pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Low Back Pain
• Sciatica
• General deconditioning
• Post-surgical with weight bearing precautions
• Gait and postural dysfunctions
• Shoulder pain
• Neurological disorders
• Balance problems
• Any other condition that prevents exercise on land

How does water promote healing?

The properties of water are what separates aquatic therapy from land based therapy and can provide the right stimulus for optimal healing. The properties of water include:

1. Warm water (heat) – our pool is heated to (92*) which creates a soothing environment to relax muscles and aching joints
2. Water viscosity – The natural “thickness” of the water allows therapists to use it as resistance for strength, balance, and endurance training.
3. Buoyancy – this property creates a flotation effect on the body and can reduce the compressive effects from gravity. This is especially beneficial for those who are suffering from conditions resulting from excessive compression on joints (arthritis, low back pain).
4. Turbulence – the water provides wave propagation that therapists can use the gently guide patients through therapeutic interventions.
5. Respiration – the cardiovascular system is forced to work a little harder in water, which allows for natural strengthening and improved endurance without the same impact as land-based cardio.

Benefits of aquatic physical therapy

Aquatic therapists are physical therapists who are specifically trained to utilize the properties of water. Your therapist will utilize the properties of water with specific interventions to achieve a therapeutic benefit. What are the possible benefits of aquatic therapy? Here are just a few:

• Improve flexibility
• Improve muscular strength and endurance
• Reduce pain and compression on joints
• Improve aerobic capacity
• Reduce stress by promoting muscle relaxation
• Improve gait pattern
• Increase confidence with movement
• Improve balance and coordination

Here at Sports and More Physical Therapy by ACCESS PT, our aquatic therapists work together with our land therapists to develop the right treatment plan for you in and out of the water. Prior to getting in the water, a land evaluation must be completed. This is to ensure that our therapists have all the information needed to go forward establishing a plan of care. Communication is key, and our team works closely together to ensure that you are receiving the best possible treatment!

Aquatic physical therapy services are provided at our Raleigh location. Call (919) 845-6160 to schedule an appointment.