Discover the Benefits of Aquatic Therapy Today
Did You Know Several Painful Conditions Can be Relieved with Aquatic Therapy?
Aquatic therapy is a type of physical therapy treatment that takes place in water, generally in an in-clinic pool.
It is also commonly known as hydrotherapy or aquatic rehabilitation and has soothing properties that can benefit you if you are seeking pain relief and relaxation.
What can I find with aquatic therapy sessions?
Aquatic therapy at Hands On Physical Therapy is able to provide the following:
Hydrostatic pressure
With its hydrostatic pressure, you’re supported and don’t have to fear falling while performing exercises.
Buoyancy
Water has a natural buoyancy for flotation and reduces gravity on aching muscles and joints. There is less pain when you exercise in water.
Wave propagation/turbulence
Wave propagation and turbulence allow your physical therapist to gently manipulate your body.
Resistance
Its natural resistance can be used to increase the rehabilitation process and strengthen muscles.
Relaxation
It provides a soothing and relaxing environment for aching muscles and joints.
Improved Breathing
The respiratory muscles are forced to work harder during aquatic therapy, which helps you breathe better.
Relief
It can help provide relief for many conditions, including arthritis, chronic pain, lower back pain, orthopedic injuries, sprains, strains, and tendonitis.
Benefits of aquatic therapy
The patients who benefit from using aquatic therapy are patients with tight muscles, stiff joints, and are in too much pain to perform exercises on land. Patients that need to exercise can do these in the aquatic therapy without any stress on their joints and with little to no pain. Patients who exercise in a aquatic therapy pool typically heal faster, with less pain, which should reduce the amount of therapy the patients needs to decrease the overall cost of physical therapy treatment.
Here is a list of some of the diagnoses we treat with aquatic therapy:
Post-operative orthopedic surgery after one has been cleared to get the incision area wet and at the discretion of the physical therapist.
- Low Back Pain
- Shoulder pain with decreased range of motion.
- Hip pain and tissue tightness.
- Knee Pain with decrease strength and range of motion.
- Ankle pain, swelling, decreased strength, and decreases in range of motion. Problems, strengthening, stiffness, tightness.
- Fibromyalgia
- Neck pain with decreased mobility.
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Gait Training
- General Deconditioned with decreased strength and endurance.
What’s in it for me?
Water’s natural properties set the stage for a very therapeutic environment. Did you know that aquatic therapy is a method of relief that has been practiced for hundreds of years by many cultures?
The ancient Romans and Greeks bathed in hot springs for relaxation and to improve circulation. Hippocrates believed hot springs could heal sickness.
Swiss monks were well known to use thermal waters to treat sick people. The Japanese use hot springs to treat skin problems and relieve chronic pain.
The benefits of aquatic therapy include:
- Assisting with locomotion and gait
- Improving flexibility and movement
- Improving coordination and balance
- Increasing aerobic capacity for better health
- Enhancing the healing process to decrease recovery time
- Reducing stress and promoting relaxation
- Building muscle strength and endurance
Aquatic therapy may be added to your current physical therapy treatment plan under the discretion of our Cary, NC physical therapist.
He or she will assist you in the movements that will best help you find relief.
So, how exactly does aquatic therapy work?
Aquatic therapy sessions are very organized and typically begin with a warm-up. They all take place in the water and will likely begin with gentle, low-resistance exercises to target the lower and upper extremities.
This may include brief walking and light stretches. Then they will turn to more advanced cardiovascular and core activities, such as running, squatting, arm swings, and leg swings.
After your session, you will also have some cool-down methods. This prevents lactic acid from building up.
Aquatic therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that we are happy to offer at Hands On Physical Therapy.
Our Cary, NC physical therapists recognize the positive effect of using water treatments to improve motion and functionality while simultaneously allowing your muscles to relax.
Want to get started with our aquatic therapy sessions?
Our Cary facility offers a heated 100 degree, 380 cubic feet; lift equipped therapeutic pool with a below-water treadmill and seat with jetpack. Lockers, showers, robes and towels supplied.
If you are in Cary, NC looking for relief and relaxation, aquatic therapy will likely be beneficial to you. Request an appointment with Hands On Physical Therapy today to get started!
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover and Enjoy Life Pain-Free!