AQUATIC THERAPY

It is the practice of PT in the aquatic environment using the unique properties of water, which include:

• Buoyancy helps to decrease weight bearing so there is less compression on joints and soft tissues. It helps support weak muscles and allows you to improve strength, posture and balance without fear of falling.
• Resistance helps to improve strength, endurance, muscle balance and the cardiovascular system. Resistance from the water slows movements down, so it can enhance muscular recruitment and allows for a longer reaction time. If there is pain with movement, resistance stops the second you stop moving in the water.
• Hydrostatic pressure allows for equal pressure on all parts of the body, helping to decrease pain and swelling.

People who have generalized weakness, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, balance and gait problems. People who are recovering from surgery…

You will need a prescription from your doctor for Physical Therapy. Talk to your doctor about specifying Aquatic Therapy. If it is not specified on the prescription, we will contact your doctor’s office for you.

Our water is kept at 88 degrees. It feels warm on entering the water but not too warm to exercise in.

A licensed Physical Therapist with a specialty certification in aquatics is always present at, or in, the pool when patients are being treated, allowing each patient to be assessed at every visit and their program tailored to their individual needs.

You will need to bring a towel with you. If you forget your towel, we will provide one for you for that day. Water shoes are not necessary but you may wear them if you are used to wearing them. You should wear flip flops or some type of slip-on shoe before and after being in the water.

We have a hydraulic chair lift that can enable us to safely get you in and out of the water.

You will be allowed in the pool once your incision is healed, in approximately 2-3 weeks. The sooner you can be in the pool, the better. You will be evaluated on land on your first visit.

Open wound or cut. Bowel incontinence or diarrhea. You must be free of diarrhea for 48 hours before being allowed in the pool.

It is not necessary to know how to swim. Our pool is 4-41/2 feet deep and the therapist will be in the water with you. You will not need to put your face or head in the water.

Yes. Changing facilities are in the men’s’ and ladies’ restrooms. There is also a private changing area on the pool deck. Lockers (without locks) are available in the restroom or you may leave your valuables on shelves in the pool area. There is a shower for rinsing before and after using the pool, but this is not a private shower.

Women should wear a one-piece bathing suit or a tankini style bathing suit. If you only have a bikini, please wear a t-shirt over your bikini. Men should wear a shorts-style bathing suit.

It is up to your discretion. There is a chance of getting splashed.

It is not recommended, but this will be at your discretion.