Aquatic Therapy

Some patients who have significant fall risk can be challenged to improve balance reactions and lower fall risk in a safer environment.  Static and dynamic balance training can be integrated to help reduce the risk of falls and fall injuries, allowing them to exercise and rehabilitate safely in a controlled environment.

Aquatic therapy helps patients improve coordination and balance to reduce their risk of falls outside of the pool. Water slows down movement, giving patients time to regain their posture if they get off balance. Research on the benefits of hydrotherapy shows that as older patients improve balance and recovery, they become less fearful of falling and more confident during activity.

Water reduces nearly 90% of body weight, when the patient is immersed to the neck. That buoyancy reduces the load on weight-bearing muscles, bones, and joints. This is ideal for anyone with a musculoskeletal condition or injury that would make landing on a hard surface unsafe or painful.

Because water is denser than air, it takes more effort to perform the same exercise in water than on land. This allows patients to increase muscle strength as they push against the water in a low-impact environment that will not stress vulnerable bones and tissues.

Exercise increases aerobic capacity and breathing which is good for overall health. Aerobic exercise can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and help to maintain a healthy blood pressure. This is good for patients who need aerobic activity but have pain and mobility issues that make land-based exercise challenging.

Water is conducive for greater range of motion in otherwise stiff joints. Warm water relaxes muscles which offloads tension from joints, allowing them to move more comfortably. Movement is medicine for individuals with arthritis and other joint conditions, making aquatic therapy a viable option for safe and gentle exercise.

Hydrostatic pressure is pressure exerted by any type of fluid in a confined space. During aquatic physical therapy, water exerts hydrostatic pressure on the body. That pressure increases circulation and reduces swelling which in turn reduces joint stiffness and increases mobility.

Aquatic Therapy offers non-ambulatory people with disabilities the chance to move without assistive devices or heavy assistance.  Water allows people to walk, stretch, and move in a way not obtainable with land-based treatment.The buoyancy of water enables individuals to move more efficiently and with less discomfort, which can lead to an increase in mobility.