Is Aquatic Therapy the Right Type of Physical Therapy for Me?

Girl During Physical Therapy session

Physical therapy is a non-drug, non-operative method of increasing strength and recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery. In fact, physical therapy can help to make movement and everyday tasks easier and less painful.

Whereas even walking is low-impact, swimming is a no-impact exercise. A popular no-impact method of physical therapy is aquatic therapy. Let’s talk about whether this water-based physical therapy is right for you, and where you can go in Wooster for this wonderfully soothing and effective form of physical therapy.

WHAT IS AQUATIC PHYSICAL THERAPY?

Aquatic therapy is generally used in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities, such as hands-on stretching, heat and cold therapy, exercising while using assistive devices, and massage. Aquatic physical therapy usually takes place in a heated pool.

Patients who have aquatic physical therapy experience the wonderful buoyancy and freedom of movement that warm water affords. This therapy also delivers the gentle resistance of water, which helps to exercise the muscles.

All aquatic physical therapy activities are designed and fully supervised by physical therapists. This therapy produces a wide range of therapeutic benefits, including:

  • Increased flexibility
  • Improved range of motion
  • Decreased stress
  • Increased overall well-being and relaxation
  • Better posture
  • Pain relief, particularly in the weight-bearing joints and lower back
  • Better balance and gait

Most people who participate in aquatic physical therapy say it’s fun and relaxing. They often report that they are maintaining their best functional capacity, and they often note that they are progressing more quickly in recovery in the water than they were in regular physical therapy sessions.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WATER-BASED PHYSICAL THERAPY?

Aquatic physical therapy can help patients of virtually all ages live with and recuperate from a variety of acute and chronic medical conditions, including:

  • Traumatic and repetitive-motion joint injuries
  • Cancer treatment
  • Surgery recovery
  • Sports-related injuries
  • Burns and lacerations
  • Geriatric disabilities (such as osteoarthritis, stroke, and impaired circulation)
  • Pediatric deformities (such as scoliosis)
  • Work-related injuries

Physical therapy can greatly help to improve mobility, flexibility, motor skills and fine motor functions, balance, and independence.

WHO SHOULD RECEIVE AQUATIC PHYSICAL THERAPY?

Most people can benefit from aquatic physical therapy. Qualifying medical conditions include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Total or partial joint replacement surgery recovery
  • Lower back pain
  • Obesity
  • Muscle spasms or rigidity
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Traumatic brain injury and stroke recovery

Aquatic physical therapy is not appropriate for individuals who have active infections, open wounds, fever, or incontinence.

AQUATIC THERAPY IN WOOSTER, OH

At Wooster Community Hospital HealthPoint Rehabilitation, we provide state-of-the-art physical therapy services – including balance training, spine care, stroke care, sports medicine, and of course, aquatic therapy. Our beautiful pool is on-site.

If you would like to know more about aquatic therapy or our other physical therapy services, call us today for a consultation at (330) 202-3300 or fill out our online request form now. We’d love to show you how our expertise can help you to achieve your health goals and to live a fuller, more satisfying life!