Aquatic physical therapy is movement and exercise in a pool to help reduce pain while improving strength, flexibility, and physical conditioning. For some patients, therapeutic exercise in the water is just one part of a rehabilitation program after an injury or surgery. For other patients with long-term conditions like arthritis, aquatic therapy is the gateway to independent pain management and fitness through water exercise.

Things you should know:

• After being referred by a physician, patients are evaluated at our physical therapy clinic before starting aquatic therapy at the pool.
• Aquatic physical therapy is covered by Medicare, L&I, and many private insurers. It is not necessary to know how to swim to take part in aquatic therapy. In fact, most exercises are done in an upright position.
• Most people find it more comfortable to exercise in a swimsuit, but shorts and a shirt work well, too.
• Treatment in the pool is provided by a licensed physical therapist.

Benefits of Aquatic Rehabilitation

• The buoyancy of water supports the weight of the body, allowing easier movement with less pain.
• A patient can walk without a limp soon after knee, ankle, or foot surgery because body weight is supported by water.
• The sensations of temperature and pressure from the water decrease the perception of pain.
• Compression and vibration that cause pain on land are reduced in water.
• Water creates a constant pressure around the legs that reduces swelling.
• Strength training is safer for fragile bones and joints because resistance is spread evenly across the entire arm or leg.
• Water provides a safe environment for activities that challenge and improve balance and prevent falls.
• Exercise in water is challenging and fun for people of all fitness levels because it offers so many ways to adjust the degree of difficulty.
• In cool water, the heart works more efficiently and the body does not overheat.
• The buoyant support of water prevents damage to joints or pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy.

Appropriate Patient Diagnoses

1. Post spinal surgery
2. Post hip, knee, ankle and shoulder surgery
3. Back pain / trunk instability
4. Spinal stenosis
5. Degenerative disc disease
6. Sports rehabilitation
7. Tendonitis / Bursitis
8. Adhesive Capsulitis ( Frozen shoulder)
9. Rotator cuff tear or impingement
10. Osteoarthritis / Rheumatoid arthritis
11. Balance and coordination deficits—fall prevention
12. Osteoporosis / Vertebral compression fracture
13. Myofascial pain / Fibromyalgia
14. Chronic Pain
15. General weakness or poor endurance
16. Obesity
17. Pregnancy

Patient  Responses to Aquatic Therapy

“I can move so much more easily in the    water—and it doesn’t hurt!”

“I can always sleep much better the night after pool therapy.”

“After doing this water exercise, I don’t feel like I need my cane anymore.”

“Before starting aquatic therapy, I had never even owned a swimsuit. Now that I’m done with therapy, I’m in the pool for the arthritis exercise class three days a week.”