What is Aquatic Therapy?

Aquatic therapy is an increasingly popular form of physical therapy that utilizes the unique properties of water to promote healing and help individuals regain strength, mobility, flexibility, and balance. This type of therapy is common for sports injuries, joint and muscle pain, rehabilitation following surgery or illness, and more. To learn more about what is aquatic therapy, its benefits, and Peak Physical Therapy aquatic therapy MA treatment options, read on.

How does aquatic therapy work?

Aquatic therapy works by leveraging the physical properties of water to create a low-impact environment where patients can move more freely than they would on land. Water buoyancy helps reduce joint pressure while providing resistance for strengthening muscles. Aquatic therapy is ideal for those with musculoskeletal issues or post-operative limitations.

Aquatic therapy MA utilizes water buoyancy and resistance to strengthen the patient's physical condition, which has been compromised by age or injury. The buoyancy of the water reduces stress on your joints while still providing enough resistance to strengthen muscles.

How Water Temperature Impacts Aquatic Therapy:

Aquatic therapy includes exercises completed in a pool or spa with temperatures ranging from 90 degrees Fahrenheit to 94 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on a patient’s needs. Warm water can help relax muscles and reduce inflammation. With aquatic therapy MA services, patients don’t have to worry about gravity in the pool as they would on land. Patients can move easier and progress faster in their recovery process, leading to the results that patients desire expediently. In addition, aquatic therapy helps increase circulation, improve balance and coordination, reduce inflammation, decrease muscle tension, and encourage relaxation.

What Can Aquatic Therapy Treat?

Aquatic therapy can treat a range of conditions, including sports injuries, arthritis pain, chronic back pain, post-operative care after knee or hip replacement surgery, fibromyalgia pain management, neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or stroke rehabilitation, pregnancy-related aches and pains, and even mental health issues such as depression or anxiety disorders. It is also beneficial for those who need help maintaining balance due to age-related conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

Aquatic Therapy MA Treatment Plans

Aquatic therapy MA professionals at Peak Physical Therapy create individualized plans based on patient medical history. Care plans may include stretching exercises in shallow water or strengthening exercises using floating devices such as pool noodles or kickboards to increase water resistance. Depending on your individual needs and goals, aquatic therapists may also incorporate core stability exercises into your routine. Your therapist will also provide corrective feedback while monitoring your movements throughout each exercise session so they can adjust them as needed to ensure optimal results.

Experience Relief with Aquatic Therapy MA | Peak Physical Therapy

If you need physical rehabilitation but find traditional land-based therapies too uncomfortable due to your condition or medical history, aquatic therapy MA services may be right for you. Aquatic therapy offers numerous benefits that could provide relief without putting undue strain on your body. Contact the physical therapy East Bridgewater MA team to learn more about aquatic therapy treatment options.