Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy uses the properties of water such as buoyancy, viscosity, temperature and hydrostatic pressure to achieve therapeutic results by reducing stress on the joints, improving circulation and muscle strength, and decreasing soft-tissue swelling, muscle spasms and pain. It is a unique therapeutic modality that provides patients the option of strengthening their body in different ways not possible on land in order to improve their quality of life.
A component of Moberly Therapy and Wellness's rehabilitation department is the indoor 12 feet by 8 1/2 feet pool with depths ranging from 4 to 4 1/2 feet.
The benefits of an aquatic physical therapy program can include:
- Decreased chronic pain
- Improved strength, endurance, aerobic capacity and conditioning
- Improved balance, coordination and stability
- Improved posture and body mechanics
- Improved joint motion during functional mobility
- Decreased swelling
- Improved general flexibility and relaxation
- Improved return to activity following surgery
- Improved gait and locomotion
Aquatic therapy is a type of physical therapy that has long been recognized as a treatment option for a defined group of patients who are in pain and may be weakened due to an injury or disability. Specially trained, licensed therapists provide safe, hands-on, customized care for patients who are dealing with:
- Limited weight-bearing capacity
- Difficulty walking
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- Extremity injuries which prevent regular conditioning on normal surfaces
- Spinal conditions that prevent exercising on normal surfaces due to pain, immobility or other factors
- Total hip/knee joint replacements
- Pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain
- Ineffective attempts at therapy on normal surfaces
Talk to your doctor about how aquatic therapy could help you.