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.