Aquatic therapy is physical therapy performed in water. The buoyancy of water reduces the amount of body weight placed through your joints, making it possible to work on movement, walking, strength, and conditioning with less impact.
Our aquatic program will incorporate an underwater treadmill to allow controlled walking and exercise as part of an individualized rehabilitation plan.
An underwater treadmill combines the natural support of water with the familiar movement of walking. By reducing weight bearing, patients can work on gait, mobility, strength, and endurance while placing less stress on painful or recovering joints.
As you progress, treatment can be adjusted to provide an appropriate challenge for each stage of recovery.
Aquatic therapy may be beneficial for patients recovering from surgery or injury, people with arthritis or joint pain, individuals having difficulty with full weight bearing exercise, and patients working to improve walking, strength, or conditioning.
Your Doctor of Physical Therapy will determine whether aquatic therapy is appropriate for your condition and goals.
No. Underwater treadmill therapy does not require swimming. Treatment takes place in a controlled environment designed for therapeutic exercise and walking.
Your provider will guide your treatment and determine the appropriate water depth and exercises for your needs.
The buoyancy of water reduces weight bearing and stress on your joints, allowing you to move and exercise in a more supportive environment.
Water depth and exercise difficulty can be adjusted as you improve, helping bridge the gap between early rehabilitation and full land based activity.
The underwater treadmill provides a controlled environment for walking, gait training, strengthening, and cardiovascular conditioning.