The Rehabilitex Aquatic Physical Therapy Program utilizes water for rehabilitation to enable patients to gain motion at a quick pace with less pain. Patients do not have to know how to swim to participate in aquatic physical therapy. Aquatic physical therapy is a great addition or alternative to traditional physical therapy. Many patients enjoy the challenge of a new type of exercise and welcome the change from standard treatments.

Waters natural buoyancy allows freedom of movement without jarring or straining the body. Its natural resistance encourages strengthening of muscles.  Waters unique properties alleviates pain and facilitates early ambulation skills.

• Programs are specifically designed to meet the patients' individual needs
• May be used to enhance or replace traditional land therapy when indicated
• Programs emphasize patient education and symptom management to experience normal movement without symptom flare-up
• Patients must be able to independently enter/exit pool area. The ability to swim is NOT a prerequisite

General Benefits of Aquatic Physical Therapy

1. Cardiovascular System:
2. Breathing becomes faster/deeper allowing the limbs to take in more oxygen
3. Heart rate increases to pump oxygenated blood to the muscles
4. Dilation of blood vessels, increases blood flow to muscles
5. Musculoskeletal System:
6. Decreases weight bearing / load on the joints
7. Increases flexibility
8. Increases range of motion in joints
9. Density of water is 12 times greater than air
10. True isokinetic exercise with max strengthening of muscle pairs with a continuous load
11. Increases endurance because muscle groups can painlessly exercise to their maximum
12. Increases circulation and decreases the build up of lactic acid and other waste
13. Improves coordination
14. Posture
15. Improves proprioception
16. Improves balance
17. Body Composition:
18. Twenty percent more body fat is burned with water exercise
19. Skeletal Composition:
20. Facilitates the formation of new bone growth (age is a factor)
21. Retards the Osteoporosis process

What makes Rehabilitex aquatics programming so effective and enjoyable for the patient?

Every patient has a program designed specific to meet their individual needs and the expectations of the physician.

What is our goal at Rehabilitex?

1.  To assure the patient is independent with his/her program,

2.  To assure the patient is competent in symptom management in an out of the water                    

3.  To assure the patient understands prophylaxis to reduce exacerbations.

What makes Rehabilitex aquatics programming so unique?

Rehabilitex uses a scientific approach based on research and the laws of physics (hydrodynamics). We educate patients to better understand how to manage symptoms and maximize their physical potential, allowing normal movement with fewer flare-ups. Swim stroke analysis is also addressed if swimming is questioned as to the appropriateness. Rehabilitex stresses a holistic approach combining specialized therapeutic techniques in the aquatics medium to challenge the neuro-musculoskeletal and possibly cardiopulmonary systems. The individuals entire body will benefit!

What patient population can we best benefit?

Most patient populations benefit. Here are some examples:

• Spine Problems
• Pre/Post-Partum Women
• General Orthopedics
• Sports Injuries
• Early Post-Operative Intervention
• Arthritic Conditions
• Chronic Pain Disorders/Conditions
• Myofascial Pain Syndromes
• Work Related Injuries
• Work reconditioning

Do I have to know how to swim?

NO. Swimming is not a prerequisite. The key is to acclimate the patient to the water. In fact, many of our patients fear the water initially. By the end of their programming, they are comfortable, confident, and competent to perform their program independently. Caregiver training is also an option.

How do you know if Aquatic Physical Therapy is right for you?

APT may be indicated when traditional therapeutic interventions are not producing timely, desirable results. A physical therapist or physician can determine if APT is appropriate. 

Click here to make an appointment at Rehabilitex.

*Rehabilitex, Inc., is an outpatient ambulatory facility therefore: Patients must be able to independently get dressed and undressed and get in and out of the pool under their own power.