Focus on Aquatic Physical Therapy

Aquatic Physical Therapy is one of the fastest growing forms of physical therapy today. In today's fast paced society, it is imperative to get a patient back to his/her optimum level of function as quickly as possible. Often, after an injury or surgery, a patient's weightbearing is limited, which will limit his/her activities on land. However, in water the effects of gravity are reduced, and functional activity and motion can occur.

The properties of water allow for a patient to exercise in a relative "no impact" environment. When the water is shoulder deep, a person will only weigh 10% of his/her normal body weight. Utilizing the appropriate height of water, we can accommodate patients of all heights and challenge them at different levels. Our pool has four different water levels to help accommodate all patients.

At New Life Rehabilitation, Inc. we see many joint replacement patients who have restricted weight-bearing status. We are able to get these patients stretching and exercising soon after surgery without compromising their new joint replacement. Aquatic therapy is indicated for patients with low back pain, obesity, fibromyalgia, stroke, general aging, ankle sprains, stress fractures of the foot and lower leg, muscles strains, Achilles and patellar tendonitis, ligament strains of the knee, dislocations, compression of the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine, and arthritic conditions of the hip, knees, other joints, and postoperative knees, hips, and backs.

Aquatic physical therapy has several benefits. While in the water patients can increase their range of motion, circulation, strength and endurance, balance and coordination, trunk stabilization, gait, and muscle tone. The temperature of the pool is kept at 92 degrees, which provides a neutral to warm environment. This is conducive to relaxation and optimal muscle movement.

Each therapy session is designed by a licensed physical therapist, and usually will last for 45 minutes. Each patient will be in the pool with a therapist or assistant and utilizes different equipment depending upon the nature of the injury. Patients with a weight bearing restriction or gait problem use a hydraulic lift chair to get in and out of the pool. At New Life Rehabilitation, Inc. we have several pieces of equipment to help stabilize, strengthen, stretch, and challenge coordination while in the pool, including:

  Steps - varying height
  Weights
  Foam dumbbells
  Theraband
  Weighted waist belts
  Paddles
  Noodles
  Sport cord
  Hydrotone boot