DESCRIPTION OF AQUATIC PHYSICAL THERAPY:

Aquatic Physical Therapy includes a variety of exercises supervised by a licensed physical therapist or physical therapy assistant. We offer aquatic physical therapy services in a Fernotri-depth performance pool with underwater treadmill. Physical therapists can treat clients with any fitness level by varying the water depth and resistance level. Also, water temperature can be adjusted to accommodate different conditions. For example, clients with arthritis benefit from warmer temperatures. However, clients who are pregnant (pre-natal) benefit from cooler temperatures to avoid overheating. Therapeutic benefits occur from immersion due to buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, viscosity and hydrodynamic forces. The circulatory and pulmonary systems are enhanced by an increased cardiac output, stroke volume and blood circulation. The musculoskeletal system is enhanced by increased delivery of oxygen to muscles, removal of toxins and decreased joint compressive forces. There are numerous studies and research reports confirming the clinical effect of aquatic therapy.

BENEFITS OF AQUATIC THERAPY:

• Decreased Muscle Tension/Spasm
• Decreased Joint Compression Force
• Decreased Swelling
• Ease of Movement against Gravity
• Increased Response Time
• Increased Muscle Coordination
• Increased Functional Ability
• Increased Stabilization & Postural Awareness
• Increased Cardiac Output
• Variable Weight Bearing (decreases with depth)
• Increased Pulmonary Endurance
• Variable Resistance (increases with speed)

COMMON AQUATIC THERAPY TREATMENTS:

• Pilates: Core strengthening and toning exercises, deep breathing and mental focus.
• Yoga: Static and dynamic postures, muscle control, deep breathing and mental focus.
• Tai Chi: Flowing Tai Chi motions, muscle control, deep breathing and mental focus.
• Athletic Conditioning: Resistive Exercise using weights, bands, jets and water depths.
• Gait Training: Digital Video Analysis of the phases of walking on our aquatic treadmill.
• Specialized Walking Programs: Specific Walking Patterns for balance/muscle control.
• CranioSacral Therapy: Light Touch Therapy for circulation, relaxation and pain control.
• Massage/Myofascial Release: Soft Tissue Mobilization, Manual Stretching for flexibility.

CONTRAINDICATIONS (Advised NOT to participate if you have any of the following):

• Infections/Fever over 100°F
• Bowel incontinence
• Not with severe open wounds
• Vomiting
• Deep Vein Thrombosis
• Uncontrolled Diabetes or Epilepsy
• Excessive Blood Pressure
• Cardiac Failure/Unstable Angina
• Severe Peripheral Artery Disease
• Absent Cough Reflex
• Autonomic Dysreflexia
• Vital Capacity below 1000mL
• Chemical/Skin Sensitivity
• Severe Kidney Disease
• Tracheostomy
• Impaired Thermal Regulation
• Heplock, Intravenous or Hickman Lines
• Recent Cerebral Hemorrhage or Medical Instability