Aquatic physical therapy is physical therapy treatment involving low- to zero-impact exercises, done in the pool. The warm water during aquatic physical therapy helps the body heal faster, and decreases pain, stress and tension. Aquatic physical therapy is useful for people who cannot perform weight-bearing exercises due to injury, fractures, sprains, arthritis and weight. It is a gentle therapy that can shorten recovery time and helps patients start therapy sooner than traditional physical therapy.
Reasons to Use
Greater range of motion and mobility are good reasons to do aquatic physical therapy. It provides buoyancy where there is no impact to joints, reducing pain, while the water acts as a support for the body part that is injured or weakened. Being in the warm water also helps with relaxation and circulation. Aquatic physical therapy can reduce rehabilitation time, allowing people to heal faster. If used as a high-velocity exercise treatment, aquatic physical therapy helps build muscle endurance and strength without causing trauma to the joints, according to the Lakeway Aquatic Therapy & Wellness Center.
Who Benefits
Aquatic therapy benefits post-surgical patients of shoulder, knee or ankle reconstructive surgery and people with fractures who cannot do weight-bearing exercises. It also benefits people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis who have severe joint degeneration. Aquatic physical therapy can greatly accelerate healing as opposed to traditional physical therapy. It works well for people who cannot do weight-bearing exercises and allows people to start physical therapy treatment at an earlier stage than with traditional physical therapy. The near-zero gravity environment of the water provides practically no impact on joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments or bones allowing the body to heal, according to the Stretching Institute.
Strength and Conditioning
Aquatic physical therapy improves muscle tone and strength, cardiovascular function and endurance. It also increases bone density and flexibility through stretching and zero-impact exercises. Aquatic physical therapy is also used by athletes, because it provides a year-round environment to exercise in as well as providing sports injury therapy.
Additional Benefits
Your heart rate is lower because your body is supported in the water during aquatic physical therapy, making it safe for pregnant women, obese individuals and those with hypertension and heart disease. Aquatic physical therapy burns more calories than traditional physical therapy, making it great exercise for people who cannot perform their regular exercise routine due to injury. It creates confidence and is great for people with disabilities, because it provides greater freedom and range of motion.
Limitations
Aquatic physical therapy may not be good for people with severe heart failure, incontinence, infection or for people who have a fever. The slippery floors around the pool may not be safe for some people to navigate, but rubber mats can reduce some risk. People with extremely poor vision may not be able to see the instructor or therapist and the water temperature may be too warm for those with certain health conditions.
