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Kenosha

6926 39th Avenue
Kenosha WI 53142
(262) 942-0163
Fax:(262) 697-1576

baptkenoshaclinic@yahoo.com

Racine

1135 Prairie Drive
Racine WI 53406
(262) 886-6780
Fax: (262) 886-6710

racinebapt@yahoo.com

Lake Geneva

902 S. Wells Street
Lake Geneva WI 53147
(262) 249-1915
Fax: (262) 249-1397

lgbapt@yahoo.com

Aquatic Therapy

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 discovering 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 muscles 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. The 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

Exercising in warm water will raise your body temperature causing your blood vessels to dilate and increase circulation

Indications for Aquatic Therapy (a few examples listed below)

Osteoarthritis	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

Current Aquatic Therapists

		Jennifer Leipzig, PTA, Aquatic Director
		Christina Kmiec, MSPT
		Julia Luxner, PTA

Pool Features

		In house pool at the Racine and Kenosha clinics
		Therapeutic pool temperature at 94 degrees
		Handicap accessible
		Rehab setting
		Hydrolic chair lift
		Short walk from parking lot
		One-on-one care
		Accessible men and women locker rooms

Open Swim Program

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.