Introduction
Orthopedic conditions, medical issues, and neurological disorders can limit your ability to bear weight on your legs, tolerate the impact of land-based exercises, or move effectively against gravity. Aquatic therapy offers a rehabilitation option that allows individuals to exercise in a water-based environment. The water provides natural support, buoyancy, and gentle resistance, making it ideal for those with various orthopedic conditions, neurological disorders like stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, or medical conditions affecting joints and muscles such as arthritis, amputations, chronic pain, muscle spasms, post-polio syndrome, pregnancy, or post-mastectomy recovery.
It's important to note that you don’t need to know how to swim to participate in aquatic therapy. Aquatic therapy is different from swimming lessons. For your comfort and safety, flotation devices can be used, and a qualified therapist will provide supervision and assistance throughout your treatment. Aquatic therapists are either physical or occupational therapists who have undergone specialized training in aquatic therapy techniques.
Before starting, your aquatic therapist will evaluate your baseline strength, limitations, and functional abilities, while also assessing your muscle movements, balance, coordination, and endurance. Be sure to communicate any concerns or challenges with your therapist, as this evaluation, along with your input, will guide the creation of a customized treatment plan. The plan will include short-term and long-term goals and can be administered in individual or group sessions.
The warm water in therapy pools helps alleviate pain, boosts circulation, relaxes tense muscles, and reduces stress. You'll learn specific exercises aimed at improving strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, and range of motion. With the buoyancy of the water reducing the effects of gravity, you may find yourself able to perform movements that would be difficult on land. As you make progress, your therapy program will be adjusted to continue challenging you, and you may transition to an independent aquatic therapy routine or even a land-based program.
Before beginning aquatic therapy, you'll need a prescription and medical clearance from your physician. Some individuals may not be suitable candidates due to specific contraindications, like open wounds. While most people find aquatic therapy to be both effective and enjoyable, it's important to note that it is not considered a weight-loss treatment, as it doesn’t provide a high level of aerobic exercise.
