Aquatic Therapy is shown to improve function in certain patients more rapidly than traditional therapies. Our program is provided directly with one-on-one care/instruction by a licensed therapist. Water exercise is rapidly growing in popularity. Exercise fanatics, athletes, elderly, and the physically challenged are discover-ing aquatic exercise programs that meet their fitness goals. An advantage of aquatic exercise is that it can involve the upper and lower extremities through optimal ranges of motion while minimizing joint stress.

The properties of water can offer a patient earlier and greater opportunities for risk taking, learning and practice.

Buoyancy
» The emerged person has less apparent weight than on land. For example, when a person is waist deep, body weight is     unloaded by 50% and when a person is neck deep, body weight is unloaded by 90%. Buoyancy alleviates stress on
    weight-bearing joints and the spine.

» This is beneficial for a person with weight-bearing restrictions.

» Strengthening muscle in water keeps joint stresses at a minimum and promotes relaxation of the muscles.

» Balance activities are often easier in water than on land.

Viscosity
An internal friction specific to fluid. There is more friction when moving in water than moving on land, providing resistance with water exercise. The resistance can be adjusted by the speed of the movement.

Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic Pressure is the pressure of water exerts on an object immersed in the water. The pressure is greater at the feet. This pressure differences allows for edema/swelling reduction, especially when combined with exercise. It helps increase sensory input and aids in body awareness for those especially with neurological impairments.

Other Benefits
» Building cardiovascular endurance
» Aquatic therapy virtually reduces or eliminates pain and chronic pain during rehab
   Increases patient self esteem, self-sufficiency and self awareness, increase motivation for independence
» Reduces blood pressure by 20% as compared to land exercise alone
» Improves posture and body mechanics
» Increases range of motion up to 30% with water immersion, so joint mobility is greater on land
» Increases strength and offers balanced muscle development
» Exercise in warm water will raise your body temperature causing your blood vessels to dilate and increase circulation

» Osteoparthritis                      » Fibromyalgia                                         » Low back pain/dysfunction
» Hip pain or post-surgical       » Knee pain or post-surgical                  » Severe deconditioning/weakness
» Ankle pain or post-surgical   » Shoulder pain or post-surgical            » Spinal cord injuries
» CVA                                      » CP                                                        » Children with developmental disorders

» Jennifer Leipzig, PTA, Aquatic Director
» Kara Schmidtke, PTA
» Christina Kmiec, MSPT
» Nick Ramsey, PTA, ATC

Offered to previous physical therapy patients who have participated in aquatic therapy, and who are independent in aquatic exercise and would like to carry over their fitness responsibility to manage their condition, without having to join a fitness center.
This will most often be recommended by a therapist and/or a physician at time of discharge from outpatient therapy. All pool equipment, such as noodles, steps and resistance tools are available to use. A therapist or a technician is available for questions or minimal assistance as needed.