PHYSIOTHERAPY
INTERNATIONAL

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November-December 1999

"ENTER THE POOL...EXIT THE PAIN"
AQUATIC PHYSICAL THERAPY
AT HANDS-ON PHYSICAL THERAPY

Racquel Bailey, Aquatic Therapist

Aquatic Therapy is one of the fastest growing segments in the physical therapy field. It has come to be recognized  as  an  excellent medium, not only for general conditioning, but also to treat a wide variety of orthopedic and neurological conditions. We are proud to offer this program to our clients. The benefits of aquatic  therapy  include  an Increase in:

- range of motion
- circulation
- strength & endurance
- balance & coordination
- trunk stabilization & mobility
- muscle tone

People  who  suffer physical limitations resulting from lower back pain, arthritis, obesity, fibromyalgia, stroke, a recent orthopedic surgery, or even general aging are excellent candidates for aquatic therapy. These limitations may include, but are not limited to stiffness, decreased range of motion, decreased strength, decreased endurance, and swelling of affected joints. The natural progression is a decrease in activity which, in turn, leads to muscle weakness and even more physical limitations.

This cycle can be halted and reversed through aquatic therapy. Those who are unable to complete land -based exercises are often able to do so in the water. The force of gravity is eliminated and the buoyancy of the water serves to decrease body weight, thereby reducing stress on thejoints. With a combination of generalized conditioning and specific water-based exercises, clients are able to reduce swelling, tone muscles and regain valuable lost strength.

Aquatic Therapy can also bring excellent results in treating athletic injuries. Athletes who have been injured often suffer a loss in muscle tone, coordination, balance, and even mental acuity. This does not bave to be the case. Most land-based exercises make an excellent transition to water, and with the previously-mentioned benefits of buoyancy, athletes are able to maintain a conditioned physique until their injury heals sufficiently to return to regular  training. Furthermore, the resistance of the water provides a great tool in preventing muscle atrophy. Aquatic therapy is an excellent rehabilitation option to ward off deconditioning resulting from an injury.

Here at Hands-On Physical Therapy, client comfort and privacy are primary considerations. Therefore, males and females are always scheduled in separate time slots. Patient numbers are limited within these slots so the aquatic therapist is able to give complete, individualized attention to each client.

If you would like to schedule a free Aquatic Therapy session,** please contact our Astoria office.

**Offer valid for new patients only

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