Aquatic Therapy

Upon arrival at our office, you will meet your physical therapist. You will be asked to fill out some basic paperwork (and any paperwork that you might have about your injury). 

The physical therapist will then ask you a series of questions about your past and present medical conditions before performing a comprehensive evaluation of your muscles, joints, nerves, tendons, and ligaments, including range of motion, strength and functional testing. Based on your clinical exam, and your personal goals, a customized treatment plan will be established for you. The majority of patients will receive treatment on the first visit. Future appointments will also be scheduled.

Aquatic Physical Therapy is the evidence-based and skilled practice of physical therapy in an aquatic (water) environment by a physical therapist (PT) or physical therapist assistant (PTA) who is under the supervision of the therapist. Aquatic Physical Therapy includes but is not limited to treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, health, wellness and fitness of the patient in an aquatic environment with or without the use of assistive, adaptive, orthotic, protective, or supportive devices and equipment.

Aquatic Physical Therapy interventions are designed to improve or maintain:

Function, aerobic capacity/endurance conditioning, balance, coordination and agility, body mechanics and postural control, flexibility,  gait and locomotion, relaxation, and muscle strength, power, and endurance

The difference is that aquatic physical therapy requires the “skilled service” of a PT and/or PTA which may include:

• the clinical reasoning and decision making skills of a PT/PTA;
• the patient has impairments and/or disabilities which can be minimized or eliminated with aquatic physical therapy; and
• the patient has potential to improve on their functional goals/outcomes to improve quality of life and ease burden of care.
• the implementation of such therapy must comply with all standards of care which impact all other treatment services.

Aquatic Exercise which we offer through our wellness services, is the utilization of water for the implementation of quality of life, fitness-related or general health-related goals; It can be delivered in a group setting that includes multiple clients and diagnoses; can be delivered by an individual other than a licensed physical therapist or physical therapy assistant; and usually has little or no accompanying paperwork, insurance involvement or written follow-up information required.

Aquatic Physical Therapy is the evidence-based and skilled practice of physical therapy in an aquatic (water) environment by a physical therapist (PT) or physical therapist assistant (PTA) who is under the supervision of the therapist. Aquatic Physical Therapy includes but is not limited to treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, health, wellness and fitness of the patient in an aquatic environment with or without the use of assistive, adaptive, orthotic, protective, or supportive devices and equipment.

Aquatic Physical Therapy interventions are designed to improve or maintain:

Function, aerobic capacity/endurance conditioning, balance, coordination and agility, body mechanics and postural control, flexibility,  gait and locomotion, relaxation, and muscle strength, power, and endurance

Aquatic Therapy takes place in a pain-free, stress-free, warm and relaxing atmosphere, one-on-one with the therapist.

The buoyancy (what makes you float) provided by the water assists in supporting the weight of the patient.  This decreases the amount of weight bearing, which reduces the force of stress placed on the joints.  By decreasing the amount of joint stress, it is easier and less painful to move.

The warmth of the water during Aquatic Therapy assists in relaxing muscles and increasing blood flow to injured areas.  This environment also allows the patient the ability to move with less pain in ways that they are unable to move on land.

Patients with muscle spasms, back pain, and fibromyalgia find this aspect of Aquatic Therapy especially therapeutic.  Individuals who have arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, chronic Pain, nerve related injuries, balance problems and many more will benefit from aquatic therapy. 

Each session is approximately 45-60 minutes in the pool

No.  We do a comprehensive evaluation and determine your customized plan of treatment amd then we will orient you to the aquatic area so that you are all ready to begin treatment in the pool at your next visit. 

On your first day wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the injured area to be evaluated. For example, if you’re coming to us for a hip or knee injury, it’s best to wear shorts or bring them with you.  When you return to get into the pool you may wear a swim suit or tshirt and shorts

Only the licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants will work with you during therapy.