AQUATIC PHYSICAL THERAPY
Aquatic therapy uses the properties of water to assist patients in the healing process and exercise performance. Buoyancy, one property of water, assists in supporting the weight of a person, therefore decreasing the amount of pressure and load on the joints of the body. Viscosity and hydrostatic pressure in the water also assists in the rehabilitation phases. Viscosity provides resistance, allowing the muscles to be worked without weights, and hydrostatic pressure will assist in decreasing inflammation, as well as, improving joint position in the water for balance and proprioception.
WHO can benefit from aquatic therapy?
ü Arthritis
ü Chronic pain
ü Joint replacement
ü Back pain
ü Post surgical
ü Orthopedic conditions
ü Patients with weight bearing restrictions
WHAT are the benefits of aquatic therapy?
Improvements in:
ü Circulation
ü Strength
ü Range of motion
ü Endurance
ü Balance and coordination
ü Muscle tone
ü Pain management
WHY aquatic therapy?
ü You may be challenged beyond your limits of stability in the water without the fear of consequences of falling when on land.
ü Moving your limbs and trunk through the water elicit greater somatosensory input than they would moving through the air. Water is more viscous and provides more resistance than air.
ü Buoyancy unloads the joints, improving pain levels and ease of exercise.
ü Water provides a three dimensional environment of support and resistance.
WHERE can you do aquatic therapy?
ü Joint Ventures Physical Therapy has trained aquatic physical therapists located at our 1079 Commonwealth Avenue office.
For more information about Aquatic Therapy at Joint Ventures, click here.