What is aquatic physical therapy, and how does it help?

Aquatic physical therapy is a rehabilitation approach that uses water-based exercise to support recovery and improve movement.

It is often used when traditional land-based exercise feels too painful or difficult, allowing people to move more comfortably in a supportive environment.

Let’s dive deeper into understanding what aquatic physical therapy is and how it works.

What is aquatic physical therapy?

Aquatic physical therapy, or “pool therapy,” is exercise performed in the water.

Aquatic therapy often enables patients to perform exercises they likely could not on land. It usually takes place in modified pools that include supportive elements such as stairs, handrails, seating, chair lifts, and water-specific exercise tools and equipment.

Progress during this phase often leads to greater tolerance once returned to land-based programs and can facilitate a more successful rehabilitation and recovery.

How does aquatic therapy help?

Water’s physical and restorative properties make aquatic therapy a safe, progressive form of rehabilitation, allowing patients to begin an early, more efficient recovery.

1. Buoyancy – When submerged in water, buoyancy provides a gravity-free environment, helping to support the patient's weight and reduce the impact of exercise on the patient’s weight-bearing joints. In fact, exercising in waist-level water reduces weight-bearing forces by 50% — at chest level, it’s reduced by 75% — and at neck level, forces through the joints are reduced by 90%! This is of great benefit for those living with arthritis, obesity, or healing ligaments, tendons, and bones.
2. Water Temperature – Aquatic physical therapy is performed in a warm-water pool. This helps relax muscles and increase blood flow throughout the body. This element is constructive for patients who have fibromyalgia, muscle pain, or injuries to the back or legs.
3. Viscosity – Water brings about an untapped level of natural resistance. Exercising with water as resistance can build endurance, strengthen muscles, and improve flexibility while putting less pressure, stress, and strain on the body. The gentle resistance offered by the water is beneficial for muscle-related injuries, balance problems, and heightened pain response.
4. Hydrostatic Pressure –The hydrostatic pressure provided by water increases circulation and, in turn, decreases joint and tissue swelling. This allows for less pain and reduced joint loading during range-of-motion and strengthening exercises.

By incorporating the many benefits of aquatic therapy, our physical therapists can create a comprehensive treatment plan that meets each patient’s specific needs, and then, slowly and carefully, guide their recovery.

When is aquatic physical therapy beneficial?

Aquatic physical therapy is a treatment option for patients of all ages.

Conditions most often referred to include patients with:

• Advanced or severe arthritis
• Chronic spinal, muscle, or joint pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Deconditioning following prolonged illness, severe trauma, or major surgery
• Failed land-based rehabilitation

Is aquatic physical therapy right for me?

A healthcare provider can help determine whether aquatic physical therapy may be appropriate for your needs.

Although suitable for many patients and many diagnoses, aquatic therapy is not recommended for those with:

• Fevers or active infection
• Bowel or bladder incontinence
• Open or healing wounds
• Fear of the water

If you’re interested in exploring aquatic physical therapy, we’d be happy to introduce you to it! Contact us today to schedule your consultation. Your health and healing are our top priority.