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Center for Spine and Sport Rehab | Patient Education
Aquatic Physical Therapy
A unique area of physical therapy that uses
the properties of water to enhance physical therapy treatment.
What properties of water help make this an effective method of therapy?
1. Buoyancy – this property of water decreases the “weight” of the person in proportion to how much of the body is immersed in the water
2. Hydrostatic Pressure – this property exerts pressure on an object when it is immersed. The deeper the object the more force generated. This can help with swelling in the lower legs.
3. Viscosity – The faster you move through water the more • Patients with inefficient circulation friction/resistance is generated. Water resistance it utilized during • Severe muscle weakness and fragility strengthening. • Chronic pain
• Post hip or knee replacement Why is water therapy beneficial? Water can help to promote relaxation and allow for a more Contraindications for Aquatic Physical Therapy: effective exercise program than may be possible on land as the • Incontinence/diarrhea pool creates a “low to no impact” environment DVT (deep vein thrombosis) • What tools are used in aquatic therapy? • Uncontrolled seizures, unstable angina, or uncontrolled diabetes Water dumbbells, aqua jogger belts, noodles, resistance boxes, • Open wounds stairs, resistance paddles. • Urinary tract infection Benefits of Aquatic Physical Therapy • Contagious diseases • Recent Surgery • Relieve pain and muscle spasm • Unstable blood pressure or arrhythmias • Improve strength, power, and endurance • Cerebral hemorrhage • Increase range of motion
Improve circulation • Where will your physical therapist and you go • Returning to functional and recreational activities • Able to tolerate exercise in a reduced weight bearing for Aquatic Physical Therapy? environment • Larson Lifestyle Center • Lincoln Racquet Club Aquatic Physical Therapy is Best Suited for: • Prairie Life Fitness – 2 locations
• Musculoskeletal Disorders such as Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Sources: arthritis, low back pain http://www.physiopedia.com/Aquatherapy#Clinical_Contraindications.C2.A0.5B4.5D.5B2.5D • Neurological Disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia http://www.myositis.org/storage/documents/2011_Conference_Presentations/Aquatic_Therapy_f or_Management_and_Reduction_of_the_Symptoms_of_Myositis_2.pdf • Obese individuals http://www.rehabpub.com/2014/07/healing-aquatic-therapy/ http://www.aquaticdoc.com/Aquaticdoc.com/Publications_files/Aquatic%20Therapy- • Poor balance or increased risk of falls %20Scientific%20Aspects.pdf • Load-bearing injury Office: 402.420.0020 Fax: 402.420.0014 www.ptlincoln.com 6825 S 27th Street, Ste 103, Lincoln, NE 68512 755 Fallbrook Blvd, Ste 200, Lincoln, NE 68521